Rome
Your Guide to Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is the third largest public park in Rome, covering around 198 acres of beautiful gardens, art, museums, and monuments. As one of the city’s “must see” locations, Villa Borghese is perfect for travelers looking to experience both nature and culture in the heart of Rome. Whether you have just a few hours or an entire day, you can enjoy the highlights of the park if you plan ahead. With handy maps and some guidance, it’s easy to navigate your way around and make the most of your visit.
How to Explore Villa Borghese
If you love exploring a city on foot, a popular route begins at the Spanish Steps. After enjoying panoramic views from the Pincian Hill (Viale del Belvedere), stroll through the city center until you reach the entrance of Villa Borghese. The park is full of lush greenery, hidden corners, elegant fountains, and renowned museums, making any walk through it a memorable experience.
Landscaping began in 1605, when Cardinal Scipione Borghese, an art lover and nephew of Pope Paul V, commissioned renowned gardener Domenico Savini da Montepulciano to transform his vineyard into Rome’s most splendid garden. Originally a private estate, Villa Borghese opened to the public in 1903. Today, it’s home to top attractions like Galleria Borghese, Villa Giulia, Villa Medici, and the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna.
Key Highlights in Villa Borghese
- Stroll or rent a bike through peaceful pathways lined with centuries-old trees.
- Relax by the pond near the Temple of Aesculapius.
- Marvel at the art-filled Galleria Borghese.
- Visit grand squares like Piazza di Siena, home to equestrian events.
- Discover museums with treasures from pre-Roman times to the 20th century.
How to Get to Villa Borghese
Reach Villa Borghese from Termini station using bus lines 910 or 360. Both buses stop at “Museo Borghese/Pinciana” near the park’s entrance. There’s also the n92 night route following a similar corridor. Rome’s efficient public transportation makes it simple to reach the park from anywhere in the city, just be sure to validate your ticket as you board!
Galleria Borghese
One of Rome’s most treasured art museums, the Galleria Borghese, sits in the heart of the park. The villa, now the gallery, was built between 1613 and 1616, designed by Flaminio Ponzio and completed by Giovanni Vasanzio. Cardinal Scipione Borghese, passionate about art, started collecting masterpieces while the villa was still under construction, making his collection one of the most remarkable in Europe.
A visit to the Galleria Borghese is a treat for art lovers and anyone curious about Italy’s creative heritage. The museum is compact but packed with stunning artworks. Among its highlights are Titian’s Sacred and Profane Love, several Bernini sculptures like Apollo and Daphne, Pluto and Proserpina, David, and Caravaggio’s iconic paintings. Visiting the gallery typically takes about two hours, with each two-hour slot limited to 360 visitors to ensure an enjoyable and uncrowded experience.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (admission in 2-hour intervals)
- Closed: Mondays, December 25, January 1
Due to strict limits on visitor numbers, it’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance. Note that there are currently no regular “storage room” tours.
Tickets
- Full ticket: €15 + €2 mandatory reservation fee
- Free entry on the first Sunday of each month, but limited seats are released just 10 days in advance and require mandatory reservation.
You can purchase tickets and make your required reservation online at the
official Galleria Borghese ticket office.
Temple of Aesculapius
A star attraction of Villa Borghese is the lovely Temple of Aesculapius. This elegant temple stands overlooking a picturesque pond, making it a favorite photo spot for visitors. Construction began in 1785 and finished in 1792, with architects Antonio and Mario Asprucci leading the project. Inside, you’ll find a grand statue of Aesculapius, the Roman god of medicine. The temple is purely decorative and adds a tranquil charm to the gardens.
Piazza di Siena
Nestled within the gardens, Piazza di Siena is a magnificent oval-shaped arena built between 1790 and 1792 by Antonio Asprucci, inspired by the famous Palio di Siena horse race. In addition to its historic design, the piazza hosted equestrian events during Rome’s Olympic Games, including dressage and eventing. Every year, it comes alive for the Piazza di Siena International Horse Show, a highlight for show jumpers and anyone interested in Rome’s sporting traditions. The square’s setting, framed by pine trees and classical statues, also makes it a peaceful spot for picnics or relaxation.
Villa Giulia
Just outside the northern edge of Villa Borghese sits the beautifully decorated Villa Giulia. Commissioned by Pope Julius III and designed by Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola, the villa was finished in the mid-16th century. Today, Villa Giulia is home to the National Etruscan Museum (Museo Nazionale Etrusco), where you can see treasures from ancient Italy, including exquisite Etruscan ceramics, jewelry, and the renowned Sarcophagus of the Spouses.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30 am – 7:30 pm (last admission at 6:30 pm, rooms close at 7:00 pm)
- Closed on Mondays
Tickets
- Adults: €13
- Reduced tickets: €2
- Free admission for children under 18
Plan your visit by booking tickets directly on the
Museo Nazionale Etrusco official site.
Villa Medici
Opposite the park’s entrance on Pincian Hill, Villa Medici is an impressive Renaissance mansion designed by Annibale Lippi in the 16th century. Once owned by the Medici family, the villa served as a residence for aspiring artists when Napoleon moved the French Academy here. Today, Villa Medici continues to foster culture, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and open gardens for visitors to enjoy breathtaking views over Rome. Guided tours include the majestic rooms, peaceful gardens, and current exhibitions.
Opening Hours
- Wednesday to Monday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (guided group entry only)
- Closed: Tuesdays, December 25, January 1
- Last entry: 6:30 pm (or 6:00 pm if there is an exhibition)
Tickets
- Full price: €14
- Reduced price: €11
Book your guided tour at the
official Villa Medici ticket site.
Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea
The National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art is a must-visit for those who love avant-garde works. Housed in the elegant Palazzo delle Belle Arti, the museum showcases masterpieces by Italian greats such as Canova, Modigliani, Burri, and De Chirico, alongside international icons like Cézanne, Degas, Kandinsky, Mondrian, Pollock, and Rodin. Walking through these bright rooms, you can trace the artistic evolution of the past two centuries.
How to get there
- Metro: Line A, Flaminio stop
- Tram: Lines 3 and 19, Viale delle Belle Arti stop
- Buses: 61, 89, 160, 490, 495, M, stop at Piazzale del Fiocco
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (last entry 45 minutes before closing)
- Closed: Mondays, December 25, January 1, May 1
Tickets
- Adults: €17
- EU citizens ages 18-25: €2
- Free for visitors under 18
Plan your visit and get your ticket via the
official Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna page.
Tips for a Wonderful Visit
- Start early to enjoy Villa Borghese before crowds arrive and midday heat sets in.
- Bring some snacks and water, there are shady benches and picnic areas to rest and refresh.
- Use official sites to book tickets ahead, especially for timed museums like Galleria Borghese.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the grounds are extensive and there’s much to explore!
- Check museum and park opening times close to your visit, as schedules and reservation policies can change.
Villa Borghese is more than just a park, it’s a vibrant part of Rome where art, history, and nature meet. Whether you’re an art lover, a family traveler, or simply looking for a peaceful green escape, Villa Borghese promises wonderful experiences and cherished memories.
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