Explore Galleria Borghese, one of the most beautiful art galleries in Rome, set in a 17th-century Villa built specifically to house the dazzling collection of art!
The Gallery is named after Scipione Borghese, an extremely wealthy Cardinal who had a passion for art. Nephew to the Pope, he was an avid collector and talent spotter who was ruthless when it came to getting his hands on the masterpieces that had taken his fancy. Through this tour, your guide will take you back to the 17th century when the cardinal hosted lavish parties to share his art collection with other nobles. You will learn how he stole paintings, used the Pope to threaten artists and you will find out more about the lives and works of the most famous artists in Rome. The collection includes more pieces by Caravaggio and Bernini than any other gallery in the world, not to mention artworks by Titian, Raphael and Canova. You will see some of Caravaggio’s controversial paintings and hear about his tumultuous life compared with the outstanding beauty and realism of Bernini’s sculptures 'Apollo and Daphne' and 'the Rape of Proserpina'.