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TRAVEL DESTINATIONS >>
ITALY >>
ROME
Villa Borghese
When you have walked your feet off around the Colosseum, the Forum, the
Campidoglio, and Piazza Navone, when your eyes are on overload from the wealth
of art, architecture and archeological treasures that abound in Rome, when
it’s time to take a break and find some peace and quiet, head for the serenity
of the park known as Villa Borghese. Located north of the Spanish Steps, the
park entrances are above the Piazza del Poppolo and the Porta Pinciana at one
end of the Via Veneto.
Modest by twenty-first century standards, the Villa Borghese is 148
acres (80 hectares) of lawns and gardens containing sculpture, aviaries,
museums and a stunning artificial lake.
A vineyard in the 16th century, it was one Cardinal Borghese who had it
transformed into a park with geometric landscaping reminiscent of Versailles.
The villa, based on a sketch by the cardinal himself, was constructed later.
By the end of the 18th century the artificial lake had been added,
containing a small Ionic temple dedicated to the God of Healing. Aviaries were
added which became home to exotic birds like peacocks and ostriches, for the
Borghese family’s viewing pleasure, and it is said gazelles once leaped across
the landscape.
By the time it was donated to the Eternal City at the turn of the 20th
century, the Villa Borghese had grown to include several temples, fountains
and numerous sculptures. Among the latter are the original Tritons from the
Fountain of the Moor in the Piazza Navona. The ones currently in the fountain
are 19th century replicas.
The park, open to the public for 100 years, holds many other delightful
attractions. At certain times of the year you may be lucky enough to catch one
of the frequent horse shows or outdoor concerts held in the Piazza di Siena
amphitheater. Don’t miss the wonderful botanical garden and the nearby Arco di
Settimio Severo, a beautiful 18th century Baroque-style arch. There's even a
small bar located in the middle of the park where you can satisfy your
appetite for authentic Italian pasta, or just sip a leisurely Campari.
There are several pavilions in the park which were built for the 1911
World Exposition, but the highlight of Villa Borghese are the many museums to
be found there. The Museo e Galleria Borghese, has among its opulent
collection several sculptures by Bernini, the artist responsible for many of
Rome's famous fountains. His ‘Abduction of Proserpina by Pluto’ is here, along
with many great paintings by masters of the Renaissance including Titian and
Raphael.
The Museo Nazionale Etrusco is housed in the Villa Giulia, so named as
it was originally the summer residence of Pope Julius II in 1553. As you might
deduce from its name, the museum contains a number of Etruscan works excavated
from the hills outside Rome.
The Villa Borghese offers you the perfect respite from the big city
atmosphere of Rome, without ever leaving Rome. Spend some time recharging,
then resume your tour of Italy’s exciting capital with renewed energy.
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