Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is one of the most beautiful and extensive parks in Rome – a place where nature meets art and history. It offers an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city: shade from pine trees, wide lawns, quiet paths and romantic corners.

One of the most picturesque places is the pond with the temple of the god Asclepius, where you can rent a boat and float on the water among ducks and water lilies. Next to the pond is a pleasant café with outdoor seating, perfect for a coffee or a glass of prosecco.

A short walk from the famous gallery is the Museo Pietro Canonica, a small but impressive museum in the former residence of the sculptor Pietro Canonici. It focuses mainly on sculpture and also shows his personal spaces. Admission is free, so it’s definitely worth stopping by at least for a while.

The dominant feature of the park is of course the Galleria Borghese, a masterful art museum in a historic 17th century villa built for Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Inside, works by greats such as Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian – including sculptures of Apollo and Daphne and David – await you.
Please note – entry is only possible with an online reservation, often several weeks in advance. Each visitor has only 2 hours for the tour.

And if you love beautiful views, don’t miss the Pincio Terrace, located on the southern edge of the park, just a few steps from Piazza del Popolo. From here, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the piazza, the Roman rooftops and the dome of St Peter’s Basilica in the distance – the perfect spot for sunsets and unforgettable photos.

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Italy

Rome: Wandering through a city of history and taste