Villa Borghese Tours

Villa Borghese which includes heritage architecture and a park
Take a break from the busy city center and explore this vast network of pretty gardens and enthralling museums.

Rome’s premier green space, Villa Borghese is not only home to glistening lakes and peaceful gardens, but also contains several interesting cultural institutions. Amble along the pathways and lawns, view a collection of stunning Renaissance masterpieces at the Galleria Borghese and check out rare pre-Roman artifacts at the Museo Nazionale Etrusco.

Originally the estate of esteemed 17th-century art collector Cardinal Scipione Borghese, this park was obtained by the city in 1903. Since then, this 198-acre (80-hectare) area of grass and woodland has been restored and added to, establishing itself as a firm favorite among tourists on the museum trail and among locals looking for a recreational space.

Villa Borghese is home to three of the city’s museums. Browse the exhibits at the world-class Galleria Borghese, which counts paintings by Titian and Raphael as well as sculptures by Canova and Bernini among its collection. Examine an assortment of 19th- and 20th-century pieces at the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna and an array of pre-Roman jewelry and utensils at the Museo Nazionale Etrusco.

Stroll along the narrow trails of the park and head toward the lake close to the center of the grounds. On a little islet here sits a small Ionic temple, which is dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing.

Try to find the tranquil “secret gardens,” which were once reserved for elite invited guests. Located near the Galleria Borghese, they are now open to all, yet are still relatively quiet and secluded. Particularly charming is the garden of the bitter oranges, where a grand fountain topped with an eagle dominates the scene. Don’t miss the entrance, which is engulfed in thick hanging branches.

Villa Borghese is in Municipio II, close to the heart of Rome. There are bus stops throughout the park, which is open all day from dawn until dusk. Explore on foot or rent bikes from various points around the park for a faster way to get around.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Villa Borghese

Reviews of Villa Borghese

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 6.485849056603773%
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 8, 2019

Nice zoo over there. Nice parks.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Nov 4, 2019

Impossible to get entrance tickets, apparently they have to be booked months in advance.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 31, 2019

Beautiful garden area and a wonderful view of the city especially at sunset. Accessed by steps just off Piazza Popolo.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 26, 2019

Absolutely go with a guide.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 24, 2019

Order tickets online to get into the gallery...even during off season they were booked up several days in advance but not as bad as the Uffesi in Firenze.

5/5 - Excellent

Poipu
Oct 22, 2019

Definitely take a golf cart tour so that you can cover more ground and get an expert to share the history.

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