It is a characteristic of a lively metropolitan city like Rome to have an active and energetic outdoor life. So when you are a tourist in Rome, the fast paced city lifestyle is thrilling to be a part of. But before long the time will come when you will want the peace and quiet of the country. And there is no better place to find that tranquillity than in 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.

It was the 18th century that brought the artificial lake to Villa Borghese along with a wonderful small temple that is dedicated to the god of Healing.

The Cardinal was clearly a lover of bird watching because in the gardens where gazelles once grazed, he built beautiful aviaries where he could enjoy the presence of exotic birds like peacocks and ostriches.

At the turn of the 20th century, the Villa Borghese was donated to Rome as a public space and by that time it had been developed significantly to include a number of temples, fountains and other outdoor artwork. In fact, you will find the original Tritons who labor in the Fountain of the Moor that you see in the city. The Tritons you find at the more famous location are recreations of these statues.

For 100 years the Villa Borghese has welcomed the public to enjoy the many delights it contains. There are numerous seasonable events you may come across on your visit, including horse jumping events in Siena Square. The beautiful Piazza di Siena amphitheater commonly is used for outdoor concerts which you can take in before touring the botanical gardens. And take time to admire the lovely Baroque 18th century arch called 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.

But over the decades what has really become a draw for tourists and locals alike are the excellent museums that are on the grounds of the park.

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.

Another museum that gets a great deal of tourist attention is the Museo Nazionale Etrusco that is on display at the Villa Giulia. The Villa’s name originated from the first owner of the property. Pope Julius II used it for his summer home starting in 1553. The name of the museum is accurate because inside you will find many artworks from the Etruscan collection that had been found during excavation near Rome.

To gain entrance to the Villa Borghese, simply travel to the north end of the Spanish Steps. The actual entrances can be found above the Piazza del Poppolo and the Porta Pinciana but near the end of the Via Veneto. The Villa Borghese is an ideal spot to save for that time in your trip when you need a place of quiet to enjoy some peace and respite from a very active day in the city. But be sure you allocate several hours when you are there to see and experience all that the Villa has to offer.

Tags: Travel Tips

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