Everything you wanted to know about the Borghese Gardens

Lake Garden

At the heart of Villa Borghese lies an enchanting man-made lake, surrounded by gently sloping lawns, flowering shrubs, and shaded pathways. This English-style layout features winding trails, classical sculptures nestled in the foliage, and benches placed for quiet reflection. As you walk along the shore, you’re greeted by graceful swans gliding across the still, green water and the gentle rustle of willows dipping their branches toward the lake. 

Rising from a small artificial island in the middle of the lake is the Tempietto di Esculapio, a neoclassical temple dedicated to the Roman god of medicine. Built in the late 18th century by Antonio and Mario Asprucci, the temple features slender Ionic columns and a pediment sheltering a statue of Aesculapius. The island is accessible only by rowboat, framed by cypresses and stone outcrops where ducks and turtles bask in the sun.

Deer Park

This area, once reserved for hunting by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, is now a tranquil green space characterized by its unique architectural and natural features. As you enter through the gate on Via Pietro Raimondi, you'll encounter grand avenues lined with monumental herms—sculpted pillars by Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. 

These statuesque columns add a classical touch to the park's design. At the heart of the park stands the Silenus Fountain, a notable feature that reflects the area's historical significance. The park's name originates from the presence of deer and gazelles that roamed here until the late 19th century.

Plane Tree Valley

This expansive, tree-lined avenue is one of the park's oldest and most atmospheric sections. The valley is distinguished by its monumental plane trees (Platanus orientalis), some of which were planted in the early 1600s by Cardinal Scipione Borghese. These ancient trees, among the oldest in Rome, create a majestic canopy that filters sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the ground. 

In addition to the plane trees, the area is home to a variety of other tree species, including oaks (Quercus robur), chestnuts (Castanea sativa), and catalpas (Catalpa bignonioides), enhancing the valley's rich biodiversity. As you stroll through the valley, you'll encounter winding paths that lead you deeper into the park, offering glimpses of the lush greenery and the sounds of nature.

The area’s more famous name, ‘Valle dei Cani’, reflects its popularity among locals who bring their dogs here to run and play freely. This area has become a vibrant social hub for pet owners and nature enthusiasts alike.

Giardini di Valle Giulia

The gardens were designed for the 1911 International Exhibition of Art, and meant to adorn the new staircase designed by architect Cesare Bazzani, connecting Valle Giulia to Villa Borghese. They feature two elegant nymphaeums—ornamental fountains in classical style—set within a walled enclosure. 

The layout includes manicured lawns, sculpted hedges, and balustrades, creating a harmonious blend of architecture and nature. These gardens serve as a refined entry point to the main villa, offering a space for reflection and appreciation of early 20th-century garden design. There’s also a museum here featuring ornate ceilings and corridors, and offering free admission on the first Sunday of every month.

Rear Garden of Casino Nobile

Also known as Piazzale Scipione Borghese, this garden offers a serene and classical ambiance. At its centre stands the Fontana di Venere (Fountain of Venus), featuring a statue of Venus atop a mock cliff within a circular pool. 

Surrounding the fountain are decorative vases on pedestals and classical statues, including herms, some attributed to Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The garden is enclosed by hedges and balustrades, creating an intimate and harmonious space that reflects the neoclassical aesthetic of the villa.

The Secret Gardens

Step into a hidden botanical haven at these meticulously restored 17th-century gardens. They are divided into four sections:

1. Giardino dei Melangoli: Also known as the ‘Garden of Bitter Oranges’, this area features rows of citrus trees, including various lemon and lime species, cultivated against protective walls.
2. Giardino dell’Uccelliera: Characterized by geometric "cassette" flowerbeds bordered with Roman tiles, this garden was historically used for growing bulbous plants.
3. Giardino della Meridiana: Constructed around 1680, this garden, once a poultry area, now boasts a star-shaped central flowerbed and is adorned with over 1,500 viola cornuta and antique roses.
4. Giardino delle Erme: Serving as a nursery for the other gardens, it features classical Roman herms and a central marble fountain, forming a space for peaceful reflection.

Each garden is enclosed by walls, creating an intimate and contemplative atmosphere. The restoration efforts have preserved the original layouts, allowing visitors to experience the historical and botanical richness of these secluded spaces.

Temple of Diana Garden

The neoclassical Tempietto di Diana, designed by Antonio Asprucci in 1789, stands as a circular structure with eight Corinthian columns supporting a decorated dome. The architrave bears the Latin inscription 'NOCTILVCAE SILVARVM POTENTI', honoring Diana as the goddess of nocturnal light and forests.

The original marble statue of Diana, depicting the goddess reaching for an arrow, now resides in the Louvre Museum following its sale to France in 1807. Today, the temple is a peaceful retreat, offering visitors a glimpse into the past amidst its lush greenery and classical sculptures. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, a quiet moment of reflection, or simply enjoying the harmonious blend of art and nature. Nearby, you will also find the Clepsydra, a quirky 19th-century hydraulic clock.

Temple of Antoninus and Faustina Garden

The Tempio di Antonino e Faustina at Villa Borghese is a neoclassical folly constructed in 1792–1793 by Prince Marcantonio Borghese. Designed by architect Cristoforo Unterperger, the temple was intended as a decorative ruin, incorporating authentic fragments from ancient Roman structures. This aligns with the 18th-century European trend of creating picturesque "follies" in gardens, inspired by English landscape design.

The temple features a semicircular apse, with a central pedestal supporting a statue of Faustina the Elder, the wife of Emperor Antoninus Pius. Flanking the structure are two altars adorned with copies of Greek inscriptions and their Latin translations, referencing the Villa of Herodes Atticus in the Caffarella Valley. The entire composition evokes the aesthetic of ancient ruins, seamlessly blending with the surrounding landscape.