What is there
to see?

Confusingly for us, the park around the Galleria Borghese is called “Villa Borghese”. The name makes you think of a building rather than a large, wonderful park! The park can be entered via 4 main entrances, but there are also some roads for cars or smaller paths for carriages and pedestrians.

The park belonged to the Borghese family estate – it was their summer residence and was purchased in 1605 by Cardinal Scipione Cafferelli-Borghese. You can find his bust in the Galleria Borghese. Of course, the park used to look completely different! Vineyards, gardens, stables and even a zoo were located on this large area. From 1613 to 1616 the “Casino” was built, which now houses the gallery.

In 1901 the park became state property and is a small oasis in the city for the Romans! If you are interested in other city parks in Rome, just to chill out or have a picnic in the countryside after an intensive sightseeing program, you should take a look at our article on the parks in Rome!