In some ways Rome is like any big city in the world because it is constantly on the go with outdoor activities for the citizens and visitors to the city. So when you visit Rome, the pace of seeing and enjoying such a busy metropolis can wear out even the most intrepid traveller. So to find that peace and quiet where you can still enjoy the best of Rome in a more tranquil setting, head to Villa Borghese.



While Villa Borghese is not the largest facility of its kind, the 148 acres has a lot to offer, including many museums, aviaries and a wonderful and relaxing artificial lake. In the 16th century Cardinal Borghese bought the vineyard and transformed it to fit his vision that was inspired by Versailles. The Cardinal himself drew the initial designs, sketching out a villa that he later saw constructed to fit his vision.

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 beginning of the 20th century, Villa Borghese was handed over to the city of Rome for a public park. Since then much has been done to improve the location, including the addition of a number of temples, many artistic fountains and many fine sculptures just as can be found in the city. When admiring the sculptures around the grounds, don't be surprised if you find the original Tritons exactly like the ones you saw at the Fountain of the Moor in the Piazza Novona. These sculptures at Villa Borghese are the originals for that fountain. The ones you see in the Piazza are replicas that were made in the 19th century.

Villa Borghese has now been a public park for a century and it has become a wonderful place to discover a wide variety of delights. For example, depending on the time of year you visit, you may find horse jumping contests going on at Siena Square. Also, at the Piazza di Siena Amphitheater on any given evening you may find an outdoor concert about to be given. If the music isn't to your liking, wander over to the botanical garden and get lost in the plant life. But as you leave the gardens, be on the look out for a stunning example of 18th century baroque architecture in the arch named '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.

An outstanding example is The Museo e Galleria Borghese which has a number of wonderful Bernini sculptures who is the artist who had so much influence in creating many of the famous fountains in the city. Here you can view some of Bernini's indoor work including Abduction of Proserpina by Pluto. But this gallery also has a good assortment of works from many great Renaissance masters 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 not hard to find the entrance to Villa Borghese as they are located north of the Spanish Steps. Look between the Porta Pinciana at one end of the Via Veneto and the Piazza del Poppolo and you will find the entrance to the park. You will be glad you did because spending a few hours in the Villa Borghese is fun, relaxing and a great way to continue sightseeing in a more tranquil environment. After passing an afternoon in this scenic park, you will be ready to get back to the city for a busy touring schedule or a fast paced social time in the exciting world of Rome's nightlife.