Explore the estate of the prestige Borghese family.
Villa Borghese is an extraordinary oasis in the heart of Rome. Wander through the luscious gardens of this public park and enjoy a stroll along the pebbled paths, 24/7, all-year long. Rome’s city center park invites visitors of all ages to wander into the ethereal gardens filled with breath-taking city views, enchanting galleries, and more!
Piazza Di Siena. PHOTO PRECIOUS VUEHOW TO GET THERE
The official address for Villa Borghese is Piazzale Napoleone I, 00197 Rome, resting north-east of central the capital. Villa Borghese is located on Pinican Hill, neighboring the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo. There are two main entrances, the gate near the Spanish Steps and the gate near the Piazza del Popolo. The best way for transportation is by bus. There are ten different bus lines passing by: 61, 117, 119, 120, 150, 160, 490, 495, 590, 628, and C3. Each bus stop will stop at either one of the main entrances. Another option of transportation, depending on where you are staying in Rome, is to walk to the entrances.
HISTORY
Before the Villa Borghese became one of Rome’s largest parks, the villa was owned by the Borghese family during the early 1600s. Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the owner of the estate, was an avid collector of Roman, Renaissance, and Baroque art. He decorated the entire estate with his collection and used the villa to preserve artifacts, sculptures, and vineyards. After the death of Cardinal Scipione Borghese, architect Flaminio Ponzio was commissioned to build the Galleria Borghese. With the preservation of the gardens and their statues, Prince Marcantonio IV Borghese opened the estate to the public in 1770. The Villa Borghese now represents the prestigious family.
Borghese Gates. Photo: Precious VueSEE
The Villa Borghese is Italy’s most well-known public park. Taking a walk through the 197.7 acres of gardens and vineyards will be no easy fit, especially when there is so much to see. Download a map of the grounds beforehand on your mobile or snap a picture of one at the entrances. A map of the estate will help you navigate your way around. Begin your stroll and emerge yourself into the grounds of the Borghese family.
Temple of Diana. Photo Credit: Instagram @rome.camWhile you’re venturing on the pebbled paths, some can’t-miss, and must-sees sculptures, viewpoints, and gardens are scattered throughout the estate. I’ve listed some attractions that you’ll want highlight on your map:
- Garden of the Lake
- Piazza di Siena
- Aqua Felix
- The Sea Horse Fountain
- Temple of Diana
- Casino dell’Orologio
- Temple of Aesculapius
- Pinicio Terrace
Galleria Borghese/FacebookWhile there’s no better way to experience Rome, you may combine your visit to Villa Borghese with a visit to the nearby Galleria Borghese which is located right in the gardens on Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197 Roma RM, Italy. This famous art gallery holds an indescribable collection of paintings and sculptures from artists like Bernini, Caravaggio, Canova, Raphael, and Titian. An entry ticket costs €21 per person and is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Be sure to book tickets in advance and arrive on time as each ticket has a check-in time and a duration of two hours to tour the gallery. Inside Galleria Borghese, you’ll begin on the top floor and make your way down as you observe some of the most breathtaking artworks and sculptures. My personal favorite in the gallery is the Bernini sculptures, specifically his sculpture retelling the story of the Greek deities “Apollo e Dafne” (Apollo and Daphne.)
Bernini’s “Apollo e Dafne.” Photo Credit: Precious VueWith so much to see and do, a whole day is needed to explore the entire estate. There is an abundance amount of captivating beauty flourishing throughout the villa. I gaze in wonderment over the infatuating vineyards, fountains, artworks, and sculptures, and envision myself as one of the members of the prestige Borghese family.
