The Galleria Borghese, housed in an elegant villa and surrounded by 80 hectares of gardens and parkland, features a remarkable collection of classical sculptures, antiquities and Renaissance art.

This collection was founded by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the nephew of Pope Paul V, in the 17th century, who was motivated by his love for art and history and raptured by the golden age of the Renaissance. It was enlarged in the following centuries through purchases and donations.

Covering twenty rooms, the Gallery contains masterpieces by Raphael (The Deposition), Titian (Sacred and Profane Love, Venus Blindfolding Cupid) and Caravaggio (Boy with a Basket of Fruit, David with the Head of Goliath). It is also particularly admired for its wonderful marble sculptures including Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne and Canova’s portrayal of Pauline Bonaparte Borghese as Venus Victrix. In 1807, Pauline’s husband Prince Camillo Borghese had to hand over much of the archaeological collection (154 statues, 160 busts, 170 bass-reliefs, 30 columns and some pottery) to Napoleon which was then included in the Borghese Fund at Louvre Museum in Paris. The Gallery has been owned by the Italian state since 1902, along with the entire Borghese estate.

Timed entrance tickets must be pre-booked to avoid queues. All Kirker clients travelling to Rome are offered complimentary timed entrance tickets to either the Villa Borghese or the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel – a voucher will be included with your travel documents which is to be exchanged for real tickets on the day.

The nearest metro stop is Flaminio (Line A) followed by a 1.5-kilometre walk through the park. A small train runs through the park which can drop you off at the Borghese Gallery.

Open 09:00-19:00 Tuesday to Sunday, with late entry until 21:00 on Thursdays. Closed on Mondays, 1st January and 25th December.