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Borghese Gallery

  • Rome, Lazio, Italy

Last updated: 07 April, 2024

Galleria Borghese, in the lovely surroundings of the landscaped Villa Borghese gardens, houses the magnificent art collection of the extraordinarily wealthy, art-mad Borghese family – one of whom married Napoleon’s favourite sister, Paolina.

Described as the finest non-royal private art collection in the world, it houses treasures such as Antonella da Messina’s Portrait of a Man, Correggio’s Danae, Antonio Canova’s sculpture of Paolina Borghese, Bernini’s astonishingly depiction of flesh in The Rape of Proserpina, and Titian’s Sacred and Profane Love.

While you’re there

A theatrical masterpiece, the Spanish Steps were designed by Francesco de Sanctis in 1725 and paid for by the French. At the top is Villa Borghese; at the bottom lie the boat-shaped Fontana della Barcaccia (designed by Bernini’s dad).

Logistics

Price from: £11
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The nearest metro is Piazza di Spagna; the route is signposted through the gardens. Admission is strictly limited to 360 people every two hours. It means you have to book ahead and don’t have endless time to ponder the masterpieces, but it reduces overcrowding (and queues) so you can enjoy the art without jostling for position.

The gallery offers guided tours in English on Saturday and Sunday (booking is required). Alternatively, a number of operators offer third-party tours. Audio guides are available in Italian, English, French, Spanish and German.

When to do it

The gallery is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday.

Who to go with: organised tours

6

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Rome

Appreciate art like a collector with a visit to the Borghese Gallery and Gardens. Carefully controlled entry means that unlike the nearby Vatican Museums, this collection of masterpieces is never crowded. The gallery includes pieces by Raphael and Bernini, and the tour includes the Borghese Gardens: a peaceful oasis amid the chaos of the capital.

Price €67

Min age 0

Rating 4.54 / 5 [2045 ratings]

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  • Rome

Enjoy the Borghese Gallery and Villa Borghese Gardens in Rome with skip-the-line admission and a guided walking tour limited to 15 people. This popular attraction often sells out in advance, so by pre-booking a ticket, visit one of the world’s most beautiful art museums hosting the works of extraordinary artists. Admire Caravaggio’s most important paintings, among which “Young sick Bacchus” and “Boy with a Basket of Fruit”; Bernini and Canova’s magnificent sculptures’ collection, boasting works like “Apollo and Daphne”, “David”, “The Rape of Proserpina” and “Paolina Bonaparte”. Of course the tour won’t miss out on Raffaello’s “Entombment of Christ”. The guide will lead the tour through the marvelous rooms of Casina Borghese, with its splendid frescoes, disclose the secrets, the stories and the painting techniques concealed behind the masterpieces of one of the world’s most beautiful art museum. Villa Borghese gardens and gallery, you cannot miss it when you visit Rome.

Price €95

Min age 0

Rating 4.69 / 5 [1081 ratings]

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  • Rome

Explore the magnificent Borghese Gallery and Gardens on  this small-group (maximum of 6) tour. Visit the Villa Borghese Pinciana, home to the Borghese Gallery and its collection of  masterpieces by such artists as Bernini, Caravaggio, Canova, and Raphael. Your expert guide will provide you with interesting facts, secret stories, and anecdotes. Hear about the artists, their patrons, and their artwork. Stroll through the Borghese Gardens (self-guided) with is lush landscape and beautiful fountains following the museum.

Price €149

Min age 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [110 ratings]

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  • Rome

The Borghese Gallery has the most impressive collection of art in Rome. The greatest masters: Bernini, Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio are here. With the help of your guide you will understand the secrets of Bernini’s sculpture, who worked marble to the point of transparency; understand the symbolism of Titian’s art; the amazing novelty of Raphael’s compositions and the tragic events of Caravaggio’s life reflected in his works. An art historian knowledgable with the villa’s history and art content which dates back to 16C. Cardinal Scipione Borghese, will explain its greatness. Admire several statues by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, including Apollo and Daphne, David and Proserpine, a Canova sculpture of Pauline Bonaparte, Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael before leaving the gallery to walk down to Piazza del Popolo. Head inside Santa Maria del Popolo to see 2 of Caravaggio’s famous works, the Crucifixion of St Peter and Conversion on the Way to Damascus. Enjoy this amazing tour.

Price €353

Min age 6

Rating 4.86 / 5 [69 ratings]

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