Rome resembles many big metropolises because it is always alive with outdoor things to do. So when you are a tourist in Rome, the pace can be non-stop, which can make you wish you could find a quiet and peaceful place to relax. And the spot that fits that description perfectly is the Villa Borghese.
The 148 acres of this tranquil setting is not the largest retreat of its kind but you will find museums there, along with a beautiful artificial lake and aviaries to enjoy as well. In the 16th century Cardinal Borghese set about to create a beautiful villa based on the geometric model of Versailles. The Cardinal even provided the initial sketch that was used to construct the villa that is at the heart of the compound.
The man made lake was added in the 18th century to the center of Villa Borghese. To add to the scenic vision of the lake, a small Ionic style temple was added which was dedicated to the God of Healing.
Just as Cardinal Borghese took great pleasure in admiring the peacocks, ostriches and other exotic birds in the aviaries where gazelles once stayed, these birds are there for your enjoyment as well.
At the turn of the 20th century, the grounds and facilities of Villa Borghese were donated to the City of Rome. Since then a number of improvements have been made, including more temples, sculptures and fountains. A notable fountain you can see there is the original version of the Tritons in the Fountain of the Moor which can be seen at the Piazza Navona in the city. The actual ones in the fountain are not originals but replicas of these originals.
This delightful 100 year old park offers delights and new things to discover whenever you are there. It is not uncommon at the appropriate time of year to find Siena Square in the park hosting horse jumping competitions that you can enjoy. There is a tranquil botanical garden for you to linger in and it is common to find outdoor concerts being performed at the Piazza di Siena Amphitheater. And not far from the botanical garden you can find a stunning Baroque arch that dates to the 18th century entitled the ‘Arco di Settimio Severo’.
If you feel hunger pangs come upon you, not to worry because there is a small bar in the middle of the park that offers a delightful and authentic Italian pasta dish or where you can be refreshed by a Campari. It is a short stroll from that bar to find some of the exhibitions that were on display at the 1911 World Exposition here for you to explore.
Without fail though, most tourists are drawn to the many museums that have become popular on the grounds of Villa Borghese.
One reason for the popularity is you can find some sculptures by Bernini on display at The Museo e Galleria Borghese and you can compare those here to the many fountains in the city of Rome that Bernini designed and built. A notable piece that is worth the stop is a Bernini sculpture entitled Abduction of Proserpina by Pluto. But this gallery is home to a number of famous Renaissance painters, including Raphael and Titian.
The original summer residence for Pope Julius II that he used in 1553 can be found in the Villa Giulia. The name of that villa, the Museo Nazionale Etrusco lets us know that a tour of the museum will let us see some fascinating Etruscan art works that were found in excavations in the hills that surround Rome.
It is easy to find the entrance to the Villa Borghese because it can be found just north of the Spanish Steps. Navigate to that location and you will find the entrance at the end of the Via Veneto and above Piazza del Poppolo and the Porta Pinciana. The Villa Borghese is a wonderful place to spend a morning and get that rest and quiet that is so helpful during a busy tourist schedule and to recover in time to go out for an exciting time exploring the Roman nightlife.
Tags: cardinal borghese, initial sketch, ionic style, italy rome, piazza di siena, piazza navona, siena square