Villa Borghese Gardens, Rome, Italy

Villa Borghese is a landscape garden in the naturalistic English manner in Rome, containing a number of buildings, museums and attractions. The gardens were developed for the Villa Borghese Pinciana, built by the architect Flaminio Ponzio, developing sketches by Scipione Borghese, who used it as a party villa and to house his art collection. The gardens as they are now were remade in the early 19th century.

In 1605, Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V and patron of Bernini, began turning this former vineyard into the most extensive gardens built in Rome since Antiquity. The vineyard's site is identified with the gardens of Lucullus, the most famous in the late Roman republic. In the 19th century much of the garden's former formality was remade as a landscape garden in the English taste. The Villa Borghese gardens were long informally open, but were bought by the commune of Rome and given to the public in 1903. The large landscape park in the English taste contains several villas. The Spanish Steps lead up to this park, and there is another entrance at the Piazza del Popolo. The Pincio in the south part of the park, offers one of the greatest views over Rome.

A balustrade (dating from the early seventeenth century) from the gardens, was taken to England in the late 19th century, and installed in the grounds of Cliveden House, a mansion in Buckinghamshire, in 1896. The Piazza di Siena, located in the villa, hosted the equestrian dressage, individual jumping, and the jumping part of the eventing competition for the 1960 Summer Olympics.

Today the Galleria Borghese is housed in the Villa Borghese itself. It contains an art gallery of paintings for example by Titian, Raphael and Caravaggio. The Villa Giulia adjoining the Villa Borghese gardens was built in 1551 - 1555 as a summer residence for Pope Julius III; now it contains the Etruscan Museum.

References:

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User Reviews

Elvern Neylmav Tanny (3 months ago)
I recently had a day out at Villa Borghese and it was absolutely amazing! This place isn't just a park; it's a massive landscape garden in the heart of Rome that's filled with buildings, museums, and attractions. I could spend days here and not get bored. The Borghese Gallery, with its incredible collection of art, sculptures, and antiquities, was my highlight. Imagine walking through rooms lined with works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini. Plus, the gardens themselves are a breath of fresh air—lush, beautifully maintained, and perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. You can also rent bikes or even a little boat to row around their quaint pond, which makes for a fun afternoon. I loved just meandering along the paths and discovering hidden statues and fountains. It's fascinating how this was once a private vineyard before it became a public park in 1903. Whether you’re looking for a dose of culture or just a beautiful space to relax, Villa Borghese has something to offer. This place is recommended for anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the city’s buzz or a deep dive into art and nature.

Rachel (3 months ago)
One of the biggest and most beautiful parks I have visited in my life. Very serene. Lots of fountains, benches, nature, water and food carts. Recommend the golf kart tour since it’s such a big place you could easily get lost.

Mike & Mia (4 months ago)
Cute park in Rome. Quite a bit to see. There is a lot of greenery, a lake with boats you can rent (€6 per person!!) and if you walk through the park you can exit towards the Spanish steps. Free entry and there is a nice cafe inside. Worth a visit during warm seasons if you have free time.

Anthony Plaxen (5 months ago)
The park is a pinnacle of beauty and a gem of Rome it offers stunning views of scenic trees, masterpieces, monuments and so much more. It has a lovely pond in the centre with paddle boats and beautiful trails that are well maintained and very clean! The park can get quite busy in the evenings so I would recommend going in the mornings, it’s very tranquil and beautiful and very peaceful to walk in.

Pong Lenis (7 months ago)
One of the nicest parks I’ve ever visited in my life, it’s truly and beautifully breathtaking place to spend the day. Going to a walk, walking a dog, reading a book, having a picnic. Whatever it is you decide to do here you will most certainly enjoy it. I’ve been several times and wouldn’t hesitate to go back. It’s go lots to do and is, is very big and beautiful. I would definitely recommend visiting this park if you have it get the chance. You won’t be disappointed.

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