Villa Borghese
Park
Villa Borghese
Rome's largest city garden
The Villa Borghese and the surrounding garden is now the largest and most beautiful city garden of Rome. Originally built as a summer residence for the powerful Borghese family, the park especially is considered to be one of the richest in Europe. Roses and magnolia gardens, hills, squares, fountains, forests and even a romantic, artificial lake in the centre are the attractions of the park. In summer, there are numerous cultural events and concerts, which also makes the park, next to its recreational value, a popular destination for Romans and tourists alike.
Attractions in the park of the Villa Borghese
In addition to pure relaxation and a romantic walk along the artificial lake, the Villa Borghese also offers some attractions. Since 1911 the property has had a small zoo, which is particularly popular amongst families. Also worth seeing is the Aesculapius temple on the peninsula of the lake. The large obelisk on the square with the panoramic terrace was built by the Emperor Hadrian in memory of the youth Antinous. From the panoramic terrace you can enjoy a magnificent view over Rome.
The Galleria Borghese
After Scipione Caffarelli Borghesi was appointed cardinal by his uncle Pope Paul V, he built the Villa Borghese as the summer residence of the family in 1616. The art-loving Cardinal quickly started with the establishment of one of the most valuable art collections in Europe, of which are still some parts on display in the Louvre in Paris. Basically, the gallery consists of two parts, a collection of paintings and a collection of statues. On the ground floor there are numerous busts and statues surrounded by a number of major works of Caravaggio. Among them is the statue of Paolina - Paolina Borghese, the sister of Napoleon, posing half naked like a Venus on a bed - a masterpiece of Antonio Canova. In the following rooms you can admire numerous works by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Among his best-known sculptures are "David", "Apollo and Daphne", "The Rape of Proserpina by Pluto", "Aeneas, Anchises and Ascanius" and "Truth Unveiled by Time."
No less impressive is the collection of paintings in the Galleria Borghese. Famous works by Raphael ("Lady and the Unicorn," "Portrait of a Man", "The Entombment"), Bernini, Rubens, Titian and Vittore Carpaccio.
Entrance
Galleria Borghese: € 8,50
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