Rest Your Weary Tourist Legs In Rome"s Villa Borghese
In some ways Rome is like any 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 at only 148 acres, the Villa Borghese is not the largest facility of its kind, it has a lot to offer including museums, aviaries and a lovely artificial lake. The origin of the facility dates to the 16th century when Cardinal Borghese created the park using geometric landscaping to capture some of the feel he had experienced at Versailles. In fact, the basic design of the villa was based on a sketch by the Cardinal that the developers used to create the park.
An artificial lake, which contains a small Ionic temple was added towards the end of the 18th Century.
Cardinal Borghese's love of birds is reflected in his aviaries at the site where he could keep and enjoy exotic peacocks, ostriches and other lovely species on the grounds where gazelles used to graze.
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 get a bit faint from hunger, not to worry, there is a small bar in the center of the Villa where you can find tasty and authentic Italian pasta or just sit back and recuperate your energies over a Campari. And when you are ready to move on, not far from the cafe are the pavilions that were shown at the 1911 Word Exposition.
Of the many great things to see and do at the Villa Borghese, probably the museums draw the most attention.
Naturally you will find a good representation of Bernini sculpture on display since that artist is the man most often credited with designing many of the outdoor fountains in Rome. The Museo e Galleria Borghese does not disappoint, so you can find such brilliant Bernini pieces as Bernini's Abduction of Proserpina by Pluto here. This gallery is well diversified with the artwork of a number of well respected artists including Titian and Raphael.
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.
While at only 148 acres, the Villa Borghese is not the largest facility of its kind, it has a lot to offer including museums, aviaries and a lovely artificial lake. The origin of the facility dates to the 16th century when Cardinal Borghese created the park using geometric landscaping to capture some of the feel he had experienced at Versailles. In fact, the basic design of the villa was based on a sketch by the Cardinal that the developers used to create the park.
An artificial lake, which contains a small Ionic temple was added towards the end of the 18th Century.
Cardinal Borghese's love of birds is reflected in his aviaries at the site where he could keep and enjoy exotic peacocks, ostriches and other lovely species on the grounds where gazelles used to graze.
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 get a bit faint from hunger, not to worry, there is a small bar in the center of the Villa where you can find tasty and authentic Italian pasta or just sit back and recuperate your energies over a Campari. And when you are ready to move on, not far from the cafe are the pavilions that were shown at the 1911 Word Exposition.
Of the many great things to see and do at the Villa Borghese, probably the museums draw the most attention.
Naturally you will find a good representation of Bernini sculpture on display since that artist is the man most often credited with designing many of the outdoor fountains in Rome. The Museo e Galleria Borghese does not disappoint, so you can find such brilliant Bernini pieces as Bernini's Abduction of Proserpina by Pluto here. This gallery is well diversified with the artwork of a number of well respected artists including Titian and Raphael.
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.
