Villa & Galleria Borghese

Villa & Galleria Borghese - Information, Tickets, Opening Hours, Wait Times, and More Tips

Villa Borghese in Rome is a true gem of the Italian Renaissance and an absolute must-see for any visitor to the Eternal City. As one of the most elegant residences in Rome, surrounded by one of the city's largest and most picturesque parks, Villa Borghese offers a perfect blend of art, culture, and relaxation. At the heart of the villa, you will find the breathtaking Galleria Borghese, which houses one of Italy's most significant art collections.

Upon entering the Galleria Borghese, you will be surrounded by masterpieces by renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Bernini, Titian, and Raphael. The magnificently decorated rooms, with their impressive ceiling frescoes and marble inlays, provide the ideal setting for these exquisite artworks. Highlights that you should not miss include Bernini's sculpture "Apollo and Daphne" and Caravaggio's "Boy with a Basket of Fruit."

However, Villa Borghese is more than just a place for art lovers. The expansive Borghese Park surrounding the villa is a green oasis of tranquility in the heart of Rome. Here, you can stroll along elegant avenues, discover idyllic lakes, and enjoy the spectacular view from the Pincio Terrace, which offers an unforgettable panorama of the Rome skyline. It's the perfect place to escape the city's hustle and bustle and revel in the beauty of Italian nature.

Since the Galleria Borghese is one of Rome's most popular attractions and the number of visitors is limited to protect the artworks, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance. The Villa and Galleria Borghese are easily accessible and just a short walk from the Spanish Steps.

If you are looking for an unforgettable experience in Rome that combines art, culture, and the joys of the Italian lifestyle, then Villa Borghese is the perfect place for you. It is a true highlight of your visit to Rome and a place where history, art, and nature blend in harmonious unity.

How Do I Get to Villa & Galleria Borghese?

Planning a visit to Villa Borghese in Rome, the green oasis in the heart of the Eternal City, is easy and convenient. As one of Rome's most important art museums, Villa Borghese is a must-see for every visitor to Rome.

If you are in the city center, near the Spanish Steps or Piazza del Popolo, you can easily reach Villa Borghese on foot. A walk through Rome's charming streets to the villa is not only practical but also offers a wonderful opportunity to soak up the city's atmosphere.

If you prefer public transportation, the metro station "Flaminio - Piazza del Popolo" on Line A is your best option. From this station, it is just a short and pleasant walk through Piazza del Popolo and up to the park entrance. The villa is also well-connected by numerous bus lines. Simply get off at the stops "Pinciana/Museo Borghese," "Pinciana/Allegri," or "Bioparco."

For arrival by taxi or ride services like Uber, the address you should provide is: Piazzale del Museo Borghese, 00197 Rome, Italy. This option is especially convenient if you are traveling with a group or family.

If you are driving a (rental) car in Rome, keep in mind that parking can be limited, and the city center can be very busy. However, there are some paid parking spots near Villa Borghese.

Stop	Transport
Flaminio - Piazza del Popolo
Pinciana / Museo Borghese	Bus 52, 53, 63, 83, 92, 223, 360 910, N92
Pinciana / Allegri	Bus 52, 53, 63, 83, 92, 223, 360 910, N92
Cerchi/Bocca Della Verita'	Bus 51, 81, 85, 87, 118, 160 628, 715, C3

What Are the Entry Fees for Galleria Borghese?

Adults over 18 years old pay €13.00 at the on-site ticket counters. If you are an EU citizen or have an EU residence permit and are not older than 25 years, you qualify for a special rate of just €2.00. Teenagers and children under 18 years have free admission.

Please note that the chances of purchasing tickets on-site for the same day are almost zero. This is because only a maximum of 180 people are allowed in the museum at the same time.

What Are the Wait Times at Galleria Borghese?

Wait times are generally negligible, as only 180 people are allowed in the Galleria Borghese at any one time. Additionally, tickets have a fixed visit time with a duration of 2 hours. Ticket holders are admitted to the museum within minutes of their booked time slot.

What Are the Opening Hours of Galleria Borghese?

The Galleria Borghese is open daily except Mondays, starting at 9:00 AM. The museum closes at 7:00 PM, with the last admission at 5:45 PM. Additionally, the museum is closed on December 25th and January 1st.

Where Can I Buy Tickets for Galleria Borghese?

Entry tickets for Galleria Borghese can be purchased directly at the on-site ticket counters. However, since only a maximum of 180 people are allowed in the Galleria Borghese at any one time, the likelihood of buying tickets for the same day is very low. The very high demand also plays a role. The best alternative is to purchase tickets online in advance. By buying tickets online, you ensure that you can visit the Galleria Borghese on your desired day.

All entry tickets are sold with a fixed visit time. You will only be admitted at that time (usually for 2 hours) on the booked day.

BOOK GALLERIA BORGHESE TICKETS

What Are the Admission Times / Visiting Hours for Galleria Borghese?

Each ticket sold has a fixed visiting time. You have 2 hours for the visit, except for the last admission at 5:45 PM, which is only 75 minutes.

History of Galleria Borghese

The Villa Borghese in Rome, a jewel of the early 17th century, is closely associated with the Borghese family, one of the most influential families in Italy at the time. In the following text, I will delve into the rich history of this impressive ensemble of villa and garden:

Villa Borghese was designed as a summer residence for Cardinal Scipione Borghese, a nephew of Pope Paul V. Cardinal Borghese was a great patron and avid art collector of his time. To provide a fitting home for his impressive collection of art and sculptures, he commissioned architect Flaminio Ponzio to build the villa in the early 17th century. After Ponzio's death, his assistant Giovanni Vasanzio continued the project.

However, the villa was not just a simple home; it was also an expression of Scipione Borghese's status and influence. It served as a magnificent setting for social occasions and for showcasing his extensive collection of antiquities, sculptures, and paintings.

In the 19th century, Villa Borghese underwent further changes. The then-owner, Prince Camillo Borghese, had large parts of the garden redesigned in the English style, giving the estate its current character. In 1902, the Italian state acquired the villa and most of the surrounding garden, making them accessible to the public. The villa itself now houses the Galleria Borghese, one of Italy's most prestigious art collections, featuring masterpieces by artists such as Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael.

In its current form, Villa Borghese offers not only a glimpse into the art and culture of the Baroque period but also tells a story of power, influence, and aesthetic taste that spans centuries and is reflected in the architecture of the building and the design of the gardens. A walk through the halls of the Galleria and the paths of the garden is thus also a journey through time and the history of Rome and its inhabitants.

This remarkable combination of art, history, and nature makes Villa Borghese one of the most fascinating places in Rome, where visitors can immerse themselves in the splendor and heritage of Italian culture.