The Villa Borghese, Rome

The Villa Borghese is a breath of fresh air for those seeking to escape the buzz of the urban metropolis of Rome. With tranquil fountains, romantic walkways, and breathtaking views, the garden is the perfect place to while away a quiet afternoon or to watch the sun go down in the evening. The Secret Garden contains a an enchanting lake where you can hire a boat, and is a charismatic setting for enjoying a picnic with friends.

For the more active visitor, the Villa Borghese offers a plethora of things to do such as going to the theatre, skating on the ice rink in winter, or visiting a gallery. Often named ‘the park of Museums,’ the Villa is home to many of Rome’s most important works of art. The Museo e Galleria Borghese reflects Scipione Borghese’s avid interest in the controversial Caravaggio, and contains works by other masters such as Canova and Bernini. The energy, movement, and fleshy splendour in sculptures such as ‘Pluto and Proserpina’ and ‘Apollo and Daphne’ will leave you absolutely astounded and wanting to return for more.

The elegant villa reflects the lavish tastes of the Cardinal Scipione Borghese, who created the building with the purpose of showing off his ever-growing collection of paintings and antiquities. His method of using extortion, debt-collectin, and the appropriation of church funds in order to obtain the works has been largely criticised, however the results are among the most impressive in the world.The Villa Borghese is a must-see when visiting Rome, however its popularity means that there are often queues. It is imperative to book!

Sponsored by Basilio55Rome