Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla) Tours & Tickets

The Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese) is in central Rome, located within the Villa Borghese. The Borgheses were a very powerful Italian family rising to prominence and wealth after one member became Pope Paul V in 1552 and gave power and titles to many family members.

One such was his nephew Scipione Borghese who bought a large vineyard in 1605, turning it into formally landscaped gardens and building the Villa Borghese to hold parties and house his art collection. He was a patron of the famous sculptor Bernini, so many of Bernini's pieces are held in the Borghese collection.

In 1903 the city of Rome acquired the Villa Borghese and its collection and gardens were opened to the public. In 1911 the World Exposition was held in the park and some of the pavilions representing various countries still exist. The Museum and Gallery Borghese holds a wonderful art collection including paintings by Titian, Raphael and Rubens. The nearby Museum of Modern Art located in the gardens has 19th and 20th century works, mainly by Italian artists.

Practical Info

Please note - advance reservations are required to visit the Borghese Gallery (see the Tours & Tickets tab for options).

The Villa Borghese is located north of the Spanish Steps, climb the steps then follow the road around to the left. The park rises up from the Piazza del Popolo with the museum situated at the top of the hill, so catch metro Linea A to Flaminio in the piazza. With its many trees and central lake, the park itself is lovely to explore and a relief from the hectic streets of Rome.