Discover Villa Borghese: Rome's Green Oasis

Villa Borghese is a lavish estate occupying almost 200 acres in the heart of Rome! It's dotted with splendid museums, gardens, fountains, a theater, and even a zoo. The most famous attraction on its grounds is the Borghese Gallery, conceived by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the early 17th century. It houses his formidable collection of art and antiquities.

Besides being an art and culture center in the heart of Italy's bustling capital, it also serves as a green lung in the city, offering locals and tourists alike a serene escape filled with lush gardens, shaded pathways and scenic vistas.

How to access Villa Borghese?

You don't need a ticket to enter the Villa Borghese Park and its gardens. However, specific attractions within the estate, like Borghese Gallery or Rome Bioparco require separate tickets to access.

Quick facts about Villa Borghese

Location: Piazzale del Museo Borghese, 00197 Roma RM, Italy
Date of opening: 1605
Timings: The park is open 24/7, while the attractions inside (such as museums and galleries) have varying operating hours.
Architect: Designed by Flaminio Ponzio, with Giovanni Vasanzio contributing to the main villa.
Architectural style: The Villa Borghese Pinciana — which houses the Borghese Gallery — is in the Baroque style, while other features in the garden display a mix of architectural influences.
Collection: Home to several museums and galleries, including the Galleria Borghese, which houses an extensive collection featuring artworks by renowned artists.

Why visit Villa Borghese while in Rome?

Villa Borghese is also a sanctuary of beauty and culture nestled in the heart of the Eternal City. Within its lush boundaries lies the Borghese Gallery, a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces. From Caravaggio's intense chiaroscuro and startling realism to Bernini's dynamic sculptures and Raphael's Renaissance beauty, visitors experience an intimate encounter with genius that is both humbling and exhilarating.
The Villa Borghese gardens are a masterpiece of landscape design, filled with carefully outlined paths, gurgling fountains, superbly crafted statues and cozy nooks to linger.
Additionally, Villa Borghese offers a plethora of experiences—from boating on its serene lake to catching a classic film at the Casa Del Cinema. It's a place where families, art lovers, history buffs and nature enthusiasts can all find something to cherish.
Let's not forget the view. From the Pincio Terrace, Rome stretches out before you like a living, breathing mosaic. It's a panorama that captures the essence of the city, a view that has inspired poets and artists for centuries.

Plan your visit

What to see inside the Villa Borghese estate

The Borghese Gardens

Spanning close to 200 acres, the Borghese Gardens is a sprawling landscape of flora, fountains, sculptures and buildings. Here are the highlights of the gardens. Note that entry to the gardens and the below attractions are free.

Victorian water clock

Located close to the Temple of Aesculapius, the water clock, or hydro chronometer, calculates the accurate time until today by using the force of water to move its chime and pendulum.

Temple of Aesculapius

The Temple of Aesculapius is dedicated to the ancient Roman god of medicine. Built in the 18th century, the temple's circular design is surrounded by water, creating a serene atmosphere.

Villa Borghese lake

In the heart of the gardens is a man-made lake, where visitors can rent a boat for €5 per person for 20 minutes. The highlight is the Temple of Aesculapius. Note that there’s no boatman — you have to row yourself — adding to the charm and romance of the experience.

Piazza di Siena

Located in the western part of Villa Borghese Gardens, Piazza di Siena is a vast open-air arena surrounded by beautiful trees, statues and greenery. The square hosts the annual CSIO horse show, where you can enjoy the spectacle of horses and riders jumping over obstacles.

Deer park

Also known as the Park of Perspectives, it was once a private park and used to contain deer and gazelles till the 19th century. To demarcate the area, herms (pillars with sculpted heads) have been used.

Villa Medici

Entry: Ticketed

An opulent villa near the Villa Borghese, Villa Medici is another unmissable attraction of the Borghese Gardens. Today, Villa Medici, built in the Mannerist style of architecture, houses the French Academy in Rome, a prestigious institution for artists and scholars. Notable alumni include the Renaissance-inspired artist, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres.

Pincio Terrace

Offering one of the best views from Rome (you can spot the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums from here), the Pincio Terrace is a viewpoint that is connected to the Borghese Gardens via a pedestrian bridge. You can follow the signs inside the park to get here.

Villa Pinciana

This is the Baroque-style villa envisioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese to showcase his growing art collection, located upon Pincian Hill in Rome.

Borghese Gallery

Entry: Ticketed

Located within the Villa is Galleria Borghese, a hallowed haven for art enthusiasts and connoisseurs world over. With precious pieces from legends like Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian and Rubens, the works here comprise the best of Baroque and Renaissance art.

Know more about Borghese Gallery

The Secret Gardens

Located in the private gardens of Villa Pinciana (beside Casa Nobile) are three gardens: the Melangoli (bitter oranges), Tramontana Garden (for flowers and rare species), and the Garden for Rare and Exotic Flowers. There is also a fourth garden, the Garden of Herms, which is a nursery for the other three gardens.

Other museums and attractions

Within Villa Borghese’s fold lies a constellation of museums and entertainment hubs, each a jewel waiting to be discovered.

Pietro Canonica Museum

Entry: Free

The museum offers a glimpse into the life and work of the renowned sculptor, Pietro Canonica. Located in the heart of Villa Borghese, the lower rooms of the building contains the "Villa Borghese Sculpture Deposit", comprising 80 ancient sculptures originally located in the park.

Cinema dei Piccoli

Entry: Ticketed

The charming Cinema dei Piccoli holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s smallest cinema, accommodating just 63 seats. Established in 1934 by Alfredo Annibali, the cinema offers a mix of children's films during the day and original-language screenings in the evening. It also hosts workshops and the annual Dei Piccoli Film Festival, promoting quality cinema for young audiences.

Carlo Bilotti Museum

Entry: Free

The gallery showcases a collection of modern art, including works by De Chirico and Warhol. The French shelling of 1849 seriously damaged the building, which was rebuilt in the following years in more modest forms and used as a shelter for citrus fruits in the winter season, hence its final name of "Orangery".

Rome Bioparco

Entry: Ticketed

It was established by Carl Hagenbeck in 1908, who sought to change the way zoos are designed. This new structure allowed animals to reside freely without being cooped up in cages. Today, the Bioparco is home to over 1,000 animals from across 200 species, including members of the feline family, chimpanzees and bears, among others.

Book Rome Bioparco tickets

Casa del Cinema

Entry: Ticketed

Delve into the world of film with screenings, retrospectives, and festivals dedicated to the art of moviemaking, set against the backdrop of Villa Borghese’s lush gardens, near Via Veneto. The screenings in the open-air theater are free.
*Tickets are only for certain events; generally, films are screened free of charge in Italian.

Aviaries

Entry: Free

Villa Borghese boasts not just one, but two historical aviaries. The Uccelliera is the older of the two, featuring the Borghese family's heraldic symbols, eagles and dragons on its facade. Built later in the 17th century, the Casino della Meridiana is known for its sundial and stunning marble and stucco decorations.

Casino Borghese

Entry: Free

Modeled in the style of Villa Medici, it was originally used to store the Cardinal’s sculptures and reliefs. Later, a major portion of this collection was given to Napoleon and couldn’t be recovered. However, it still contains a few remnants from the collection, which are on display.

National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art

Entry: Ticketed

Comprising works spanning the 19th-21st centuries, this gallery is a treasure trove of over 20,000 artworks. Located at the edge of Villa Borghese, it’s an easy walk from the Spanish Steps.

Visiting Villa Borghese with kids

There’s plenty for kids to do at Villa Borghese as well, from playing in dedicated parks to partaking in child-friendly art and entertainment activities. Besides this, you can also rent electric bikes that seat three to four people, take the mini train, ride a pony and have picnics.

Teatro Dei Burattini San Carlino

Entry: Fee details, if applicable, are unknown

An attraction created specifically to keep kids entertained, the San Carlino puppet show features Pulcinella, a popular puppet character rooted in Naples, where the show was created. The puppets are part of stories that encourage children to dream big.

Casino dei Raffaelo

Entry: Ticketed

One of the most beautiful buildings in Villa Borghese Gardens, Casina di Raffaello houses breathtaking frescoes, making it worth a visit. The building presently functions as a children's activity center, with workshops and events for kids between the ages of 4 and 11 being organized here.

Villa Borghese | Past and present

Villa Borghese is a masterpiece carved out of love for art and beauty by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the early 17th century. Back in 1605, the wealthy Borghese family owned a section of the estate on which the current Villa Borghese stands. In 1606, Cardinal Scipione Borghese expressed his desire to build and design a space that reflected the family name and grandeur. He then acquired land and vineyards located nearby and began work on establishing this prestigious estate. Sculptures and fountains, along with several small houses and, of course, the Borghese Gallery were added on.

Today, the Borghese Gardens remains one of the most significant and beautiful public parks in Rome. Over the years, the park has undergone numerous changes and renovations, including the addition of the Pincio Terrace. The park is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to enjoy its beautiful gardens, breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage.

Essential information to visit Villa Borghese

The park itself is open to the public from dawn until dusk every day.

The opening hours of the attractions, such as the Borghese Gallery, museums, and the zoo, vary. The Borghese Gallery, for example, requires reservations and typically operates from 9am to 7pm, with the last entry at 5:45pm. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Best time to visit

Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to explore the gardens, as the light is beautiful and the temperature is more comfortable, especially in summer. Spring (March to May) and fall (October and November) offer the most pleasant weather and the beauty of seasonal blooms or autumnal colors. For the best views from Pincio terrace, consider arriving just before sunset — to see Rome splayed out beneath you in reds, golds and pinks.

Address: 00197 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy.

Find On Maps

Villa Borghese is a stone's throw away from some of Rome's most iconic landmarks. The Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, and the Trevi Fountain are all within walking distance. Its central location makes it easily accessible by various means of transportation.

Getting there

For those using public transport, the Spagna metro station (Line A) is a 10-minute walk from the park's southwestern entrances. Buses and trams also service the area extensively, with stops along the park's perimeter.

For visitors arriving by car, parking is available but can be limited, especially on weekends and holidays.

Allocating half a day is sufficient to see just the Borghese Gallery and the gardens. However, if you’re traveling with kids or would like to see more of the estate, you might need an entire day as there’s a lot to see.
If you’re planning to take the boat ride on the lake, ask for the cashier since the operating staff aren’t well-versed in English.
If you’re using a stroller, use the Porta Pinciana entrance, as the roads are smoother.
Try to get to the Pincio Terrace around sunset, when you get the best views of Rome.
If you’re short on time and want to see as much of the estate as possible, consider renting a bike. Bike rentals are easily available in and around the park.

Frequently asked questions about Villa Borghese

Do I need to buy a Villa Borghese ticket to enter?

No, the Villa Borghese estate by itself is free to enter. However, certain attractions within it, like the Borghese Gallery or Rome Bioparco, require separate tickets for entry.

Is there a combined ticket for Villa Borghese Gardens and the Borghese Gallery?

While the gardens themselves are free to enter and do not require a ticket, the Borghese Gallery and some other attractions within the gardens do. So, before or after your visit to the gallery, you’re free to explore the gardens’ expanse at leisure.

Can I visit Villa Borghese Gardens without entering the Borghese Gallery?

Absolutely! The Villa Borghese Gardens are open to the public and can be enjoyed without visiting the Borghese Gallery. The gardens themselves offer a multitude of sights and experiences, from beautifully landscaped areas to scenic viewpoints.

Are there any free attractions within Villa Borghese Gardens?

Many of the outdoor attractions in Villa Borghese Gardens, such as the Pincio Terrace with its breathtaking view of Rome, the Giardino del Lago with its charming temple, and several sculptures and fountains, can be enjoyed without any cost.

What are some hidden gems in Villa Borghese Gardens that most tourists miss?

Beyond the popular attractions, seek out the Meridiana (Sundial) Garden, the Secret Gardens and the Water Clock. These lesser-known spots offer tranquility and beauty away from the more crowded areas.

Can I go for a run in the Villa Borghese park?

Definitely! Mix fun and fitness by following a dedicated path for runners, starting at Porta Pinciana. The whole route is about 7km, marked by signposts along the way. The trail ends where it begins.

Can I have a picnic in Villa Borghese Gardens?

Yes, picnicking is a popular activity in Villa Borghese Gardens. There are many picturesque spots throughout the gardens where visitors can enjoy a relaxed meal amidst nature — whether by the lake or in the children’s play area. Just remember to clean up after yourself to keep the gardens beautiful for everyone.

Are there any restrictions or rules I should know when visiting Villa Borghese Gardens?

Visitors are asked to respect the park's natural and artistic heritage by not littering, keeping pets on a leash, and refraining from damaging plants or artwork. Specific attractions may have additional rules, so it's best to check signage or ask staff if in doubt.

Are there dining options available within Villa Borghese?

Yes, Villa Borghese Gardens hosts several dining options ranging from casual cafes to more formal restaurants. Check out Cafe Casina del Lago for a budget-friendly meal (think paninis and sandwiches) or a romantic meal with a view of Casina Valladier. Besides these, there are plenty of kiosks selling anything from snacks to gelato.

Are pets allowed in Villa Borghese?

Yes, pets are allowed in the gardens but must be kept on a leash. It's a great place for a walk with your four-legged friends, provided you follow the park's rules regarding pets.