Must-See Villa Borghese - A Rome Delight

by: EranMalloch
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Word Count: 748

In some ways Rome is like any big city in the world because it is constantly on the go with outdoor activities for the citizens and visitors to the city. So when you visit Rome, the pace of seeing and enjoying such a busy metropolis can wear out even the most intrepid traveller. So to find that peace and quiet where you can still enjoy the best of Rome in a more tranquil setting, head to Villa Borghese.

The 148 acres of this tranquil setting is not the largest retreat of its kind but you will find museums there, along with a beautiful artificial lake and aviaries to enjoy as well. In the 16th century Cardinal Borghese set about to create a beautiful villa based on the geometric model of Versailles. The Cardinal even provided the initial sketch that was used to construct the villa that is at the heart of the compound.

The man made lake was added in the 18th century to the center of Villa Borghese. To add to the scenic vision of the lake, a small Ionic style temple was added which was dedicated to the God of Healing.

Just as Cardinal Borghese took great pleasure in admiring the peacocks, ostriches and other exotic birds in the aviaries where gazelles once stayed, these birds are there for your enjoyment as well.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Villa Borghese was handed over to the city of Rome for a public park. Since then much has been done to improve the location, including the addition of a number of temples, many artistic fountains and many fine sculptures just as can be found in the city. When admiring the sculptures around the grounds, don't be surprised if you find the original Tritons exactly like the ones you saw at the Fountain of the Moor in the Piazza Novona. These sculptures at Villa Borghese are the originals for that fountain. The ones you see in the Piazza are replicas that were made in the 19th century.

For 100 years the Villa Borghese has welcomed the public to enjoy the many delights it contains. There are numerous seasonable events you may come across on your visit, including horse jumping events in Siena Square. The beautiful Piazza di Siena amphitheater commonly is used for outdoor concerts which you can take in before touring the botanical gardens. And take time to admire the lovely Baroque 18th century arch called the 'Arco di Settimio Severo'.

If you feel hunger pangs come upon you, not to worry because there is a small bar in the middle of the park that offers a delightful and authentic Italian pasta dish or where you can be refreshed by a Campari. It is a short stroll from that bar to find some of the exhibitions that were on display at the 1911 World Exposition here for you to explore.

Of the many great things to see and do at the Villa Borghese, probably the museums draw the most attention.

An outstanding example is The Museo e Galleria Borghese which has a number of wonderful Bernini sculptures who is the artist who had so much influence in creating many of the famous fountains in the city. Here you can view some of Bernini's indoor work including Abduction of Proserpina by Pluto. But this gallery also has a good assortment of works from many great Renaissance masters including Raphael and Titian.

The original summer residence for Pope Julius II that he used in 1553 can be found in the Villa Giulia. The name of that villa, the Museo Nazionale Etrusco lets us know that a tour of the museum will let us see some fascinating Etruscan art works that were found in excavations in the hills that surround Rome.

It is not hard to find the entrance to Villa Borghese as they are located north of the Spanish Steps. Look between the Porta Pinciana at one end of the Via Veneto and the Piazza del Poppolo and you will find the entrance to the park. You will be glad you did because spending a few hours in the Villa Borghese is fun, relaxing and a great way to continue sightseeing in a more tranquil environment. After passing an afternoon in this scenic park, you will be ready to get back to the city for a busy touring schedule or a fast paced social time in the exciting world of Rome's nightlife.

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