Overview of the Galleria Borghese

Nestled within the lush greenery of the Villa Borghese Gardens, the Galleria Borghese stands as one of Rome’s most exquisite cultural landmarks. Once the private villa of Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V, the gallery today houses one of the world’s greatest collections of Renaissance and Baroque art. Every corner of this opulent villa tells a story of power, taste, and artistic passion.

Built between 1613 and 1616, the villa was originally conceived as both a suburban retreat and a space to showcase the Borghese family’s growing collection of antiquities and contemporary works. The architecture, with its elegant symmetry, frescoed ceilings, and marble interiors, perfectly frames masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, Canova, Titian, Raphael, and Correggio.

Highlights

• Bernini’s Sculptures: Marvel at the dynamism of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s “Apollo and Daphne,” “David,” and “The Rape of Proserpina,” all carved when the artist was in his early twenties.
• Caravaggio’s Paintings: Experience the drama and chiaroscuro of Caravaggio’s “Boy with a Basket of Fruit,” “David with the Head of Goliath,” and “Madonna and Child with St. Anne.”
• Renaissance Masters: Admire works by Raphael, Titian, and Correggio, each revealing the evolution of artistic genius in Italy’s golden age.
• Decorative Splendor: Every room, ceiling, and corridor of the villa is a masterpiece in itself, adorned with gilded stucco, mythological frescoes, and marble inlays.

Visiting Tips

• Book tickets well in advance, as entry is by timed reservation only.
• Arrive early to enjoy a stroll through the surrounding Villa Borghese Gardens.
• Plan for two hours inside the museum, followed by a leisurely walk to the nearby Pincio Terrace for panoramic views of Rome.