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The Borghese Gallery is an elegant palace housing remarkable artworks from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. It is a must-visit and extremely popular among English-speaking visitors. Moreover, the Gallery is regarded as one of the most renowned art museums in the world.
The Gallery attracts visitors, and its impressive gardens surround it and the third largest park in Rome, where the Galleria Borghese is located. Unfortunately, the collaboration with the Roma Pass has ended, so be sure to purchase tickets to the Gallery separately and in advance.
Interesting Facts about the Borghese Gallery
Here are seven interesting and surprising facts about the Borghese Gallery. Memorise a few and impress your friends during a self-guided visit:
- The Borghese Gallery, established in 1903, owes its existence to the private collection of Cardinal Scipione Borghese. As the nephew of Pope Paul V, Scipione played a pivotal role as a patron of Baroque artists, notably Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Caravaggio. His collection, comprising over 800 sculptures and paintings, stands as a testament to his influential patronage in the early 17th-century art world.
- The villa, a masterpiece of architectural design, was initially conceptualised by Flaminio Ponzio in 1605 and later completed by Giovanni Vasanzio. Drawing inspiration from Renaissance architecture, the villa boasts contributions from renowned architects such as Carlo Rainaldi. Its intricate façade, adorned with classical motifs, reflects the Cardinal’s penchant for opulence and grandeur.
- The Gallery is celebrated for its extensive collection of Bernini sculptures, which are considered some of the artist’s finest works. Notable among these are masterpieces such as “Apollo and Daphne” (1622–1625) and “David” (1623–1624). These sculptures, with their dynamic movement and intricate details, are a testament to Bernini’s mastery and his significant contribution to the Baroque art movement.
- Among the Gallery’s treasures is Caravaggio’s earliest known work, “Boy with a Basket of Fruit” (circa 1593). Painted when Caravaggio was just 17 years old, this piece highlights his emerging talent and revolutionary approach to realism and chiaroscuro, which would later define his career.
- Antonio Canova’s “Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix” (1805–1808) is one of the Gallery’s most celebrated sculptures. Depicting Napoleon’s sister Pauline Bonaparte reclining on a couch as Venus, this neoclassical masterpiece reflects Canova’s skill in creating lifelike marble sculptures and his influence on 19th-century art.
- In 1807, Prince Camillo Borghese sold 344 artworks from the Borghese collection to Napoleon. These pieces, which include works by Titian, Raphael, and Rubens, were transferred to the Louvre Museum in Paris. This sale significantly altered the composition of the Borghese collection, yet the Gallery remains one of Rome’s most prestigious art museums.
- The Borghese Gallery is not just a museum but a living testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Italy. The Italian government recognised its importance and purchased the villa and its collection in 1902, officially opening the Borghese Gallery as a public museum in 1903. This transition ensured the preservation and accessibility of the collection, allowing the public to appreciate its historical and artistic value. The Museum’s policy of limiting the number of visitors and requiring advance reservations provides a more intimate and enjoyable experience for art enthusiasts while also ensuring the preservation of these priceless artworks for future generations.
Last Minute Tickets to Borghese Gallery
The Galleria Borghese is one of the most impressive museums in the world. Without a doubt, it is suitable for visitors of all ages. However, due to its popularity, advance booking is essential, and entry is not permitted without a pre-paid admission ticket.
Depending on the season, the ticket price ranges from €22 to €30 for adults, plus a €2 booking fee. For children under 18, only the €2 booking fee applies. EU citizens aged 18 to 25 are eligible for a reduced fare of €15 plus a €4 service and presale fee. It is strongly recommended to reserve your ticket ahead of time to avoid disappointment, as dates may sell out quickly.
Admission fees may be higher during special exhibitions. Please note that tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged.
History of the Borghese Gallery
Previously, the Villa Borghese on Pincian Hill served as the summer residence of the influential Borghese family. Commissioned in the early 17th century, it was designed by architect Flaminio Ponzio, who drew inspiration from its patron, Cardinal Scipione Borghese (1577–1633), a passionate art collector and supporter of the arts.
In 1605, Scipione’s uncle, Camillo Borghese, became Pope Paul V, greatly elevating the family’s status. As a result, Cardinal Scipione Borghese expanded and embellished the Gallery, assembling an extraordinary collection that reflected his refined artistic vision.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Borghese Gallery grew to include numerous Baroque and Neoclassical works, enriched with magnificent frescoes and architectural embellishments. The collection featured masterpieces by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Titian, making it a major destination for lovers of fine art.
In the early 19th century, during French rule, Prince Camillo Borghese married Napoleon’s sister, Pauline Bonaparte. In 1807, the prince sold approximately 500 works from the Borghese Gallery to Napoleon. Many of these artworks are now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Despite these losses, the Borghese Gallery remained a vital centre of art and culture. In 1902, the Borghese family sold the villa and its remaining artworks to the Italian state. The estate was subsequently transformed into a public museum, securing the preservation of the collection for future generations.
Today, the Borghese Gallery stands as a tribute to the Borghese family’s cultural legacy. Visitors can explore this rich collection—including works by Raphael, Rubens, and Canova—housed in the exquisite setting of Villa Borghese.
The Borghese Gallery includes a vast array of masterpieces, from ancient sculptures to exceptional paintings.
The Galleria Borghese holds a significant portion of the collection initiated by Cardinal Scipione Borghese (1577–1633), the nephew of Pope Paul V.
It was once considered the most beautiful collection in the world, assembled in 1607 by Cardinal Borghese. It was one of the largest and most comprehensive of its era. The original collection included masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, Rubens, and Botticelli. The ancient sculpture collection reflected a remarkable synthesis of classical and contemporary artistry.
Between 1615 and 1623, Gian Lorenzo Bernini created some of his most iconic works for the Cardinal. Still on display in the Gallery today, his masterpieces—Aeneas and Anchises, The Rape of Proserpina, David, and Apollo and Daphne— occupy central positions in their respective rooms and form the thematic core of the gallery. These works have never been relocated since their installation.
The ground floor showcases classical antiquities from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD. Here, visitors will find exquisite sculptures, vibrant mosaics, and intricate frescoes. The interiors are richly adorned with marble, inlays, stucco work, and classical design motifs.
The artworks are displayed across 20 rooms with ornate frescoed ceilings.
More than 260 paintings are stored in the Galleria Borghese’s vaults, which can be visited by special appointment. For security and preservation, entry to the museum is limited to two hours with a maximum of 360 visitors allowed per time slot.
Main Artworks – What Must Be Seen?
Watch my video about the Borghese Collection.
The Borghese Museum holds numerous significant and iconic paintings, sculptures, statues, and busts.
Below is a list of the most famous and exceptional works created by world-renowned artists.
Pauline Bonaparte
Portrait of Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix by Antonio Canova is displayed in Room I. Pauline Bonaparte, sister of Napoleon, is depicted holding the golden apple in her left hand, symbolising her beauty being favoured above that of the goddesses Juno and Minerva by Paris.
At the time it was created, nude statues of aristocrats were highly unusual. It is said that Camillo Borghese only allowed close friends to view the sculpture—and solely by candlelight.
David by Bernini
David is a life-sized marble sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, created between 1623 and 1624. It portrays the biblical figure David at the moment he is about to hurl a stone at Goliath, an act that leads to the giant’s defeat and eventual beheading. The sculpture is housed in Room I.
Apollo and Daphne
Apollo and Daphne is another of Bernini’s celebrated works, situated in Room III. Commissioned in 1622, it was created with assistance from Giuliano Finetti. The sculpture illustrates the mythological scene from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, where Daphne transforms into a laurel tree while fleeing Apollo. In later Christian interpretations, Daphne came to symbolise chastity and virtue.
The Rape of Prosperina
The Rape of Prosperina is one of the Borghese Gallery’s most iconic pieces, found in Room IV. Inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses, it captures the dramatic moment when Prosperina, daughter of Ceres and Jupiter, is abducted by Pluto, ruler of the underworld. Bernini sculpted this masterpiece between 1621 and 1622, at just 23 years of age.
Truth Revealed by Time
The Truth Revealed by Time by Bernini is displayed in Room VI. This sculpture was intended as part of a larger composition that remained unfinished. Following Bernini’s death, the marble block designated for creating Time in Flight—the figure meant to reveal Truth—was sold by the artist’s heirs.
Aeneas, Anchises and Ascanius
Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius by Bernini depicts three generations—father, son, and grandson—and symbolises the three stages of life. Found in Room VI, the sculpture captures the heroic escape of Aeneas from the burning city of Troy, as told in Virgil’s Aeneid.
Madonna and Child with St. Anne
Madonna and Child with St Anne (dei Palafrenieri) is a mature religious work by Caravaggio, painted in 1605–1606 for an altar in St Peter’s Basilica. The artwork changed locations several times before being acquired by Scipione Borghese. It presents theological themes in a relatable way, with St Anne portrayed as a detached symbol of divine grace. It is located in Room VIII.
Boy with a Basket of Fruit
Boy with a Basket of Fruit is one of Caravaggio’s earliest known works, housed in Room VIII. Painted around 1593, it showcases the young artist’s emerging talent and his mastery of naturalism and light. The model was his friend Mario Minniti, who was only 16 at the time and later featured in other works by the artist.
The Deposition by Raphael
The Deposition, also known as The Entombment, was painted by Raphael in 1507 at just 24 years old. Commissioned by a noblewoman from Perugia, the composition reflects the sorrow of a family in mourning, with the swooning Virgin symbolising the patron’s grief. It is located in Room IX.
Young Woman with Unicorn
Young Woman with Unicorn is an early Raphael painting dated to 1505–1506 and found in Room IX. Originally mistaken for a portrait of St Catherine of Alexandria, the unicorn—added in a later restoration—symbolises purity.
The composition of the portrait was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
The Bust of Cardinal Borghese
The Bust of Cardinal Borghese exists in two nearly identical versions, both sculpted by Bernini in 1632. The first bust cracked during the finishing process, prompting Bernini—out of respect for the Cardinal and their friendship—to create a second version in just 15 days. Both busts are displayed in Room XIV.
The Hunt of Diana
The Hunt of Diana by Domenico Zampieri was painted in 1616–1617 and is now housed in Room XIX of the Borghese Gallery. Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt and guardian of children, is the counterpart of Artemis in Greek mythology. The painting depicts Diana and her nymphs, inspired by the archery contest in Book Five of Virgil’s Aeneid.
Portrait of a Man by Raphael
Raphael’s Portrait of a Man was created in 1502 and is exhibited in Room XX. Formerly attributed to Hans Holbein and Perugino, the painting likely portrays a duke, distinguished by its expressive realism and a style that diverges from the Northern European tradition.
Portrait of a Man by Antonello da Messina
Portrait of a Man by Antonello da Messina is one of the highlights of his mature period. The subject, dressed in a red tunic and black cap typical of Venetian patricians, is defined by his enigmatic gaze—one of the artwork’s most compelling features. Created during the artist’s stay in Venice, it is displayed in Room XX.
Sacred and Profane Love
Sacred and Profane Love is among Titian’s most celebrated works, painted in 1514 and currently located in Room XX of the Borghese Gallery. The composition features a bride dressed in white alongside Cupid and the goddess Venus, representing the duality of sacred and sensual love.
The Triumph of Galatea
The Emperor’s Room in the Borghese Gallery features 18 polychrome and alabaster busts of the Twelve Caesars, along with various replicas and a statue of the goddess Juno. At the centre of the room stands the Triumph of Galatea, daughter of Nereus, desired by the cyclops Polyphemus (on the left) and loved by the shepherd Acis (on the right).
La Fornarina
Raphael’s Portrait of a Young Woman, also known as La Fornarina, was painted in 1520 and can be found in Room IX. The sitter is thought to be Margherita Luti, the baker’s daughter and Raphael’s lover. Various interpretations have been proposed as to why she covers her left breast—one suggests she had a cancerous tumour, while another posits it symbolised motherhood, possibly referencing Raphael’s child.
Dancing Satyr
The Dancing Satyr, restored by Bertel Thorvaldsen, is displayed in Room VIII. The sculpture is based on an ancient original, restored in the 19th century. The face originally depicted the Satyr playing a flute, but Thorvaldsen reinterpreted the piece according to his own artistic vision.
David with the Head of Goliath
David with the Head of Goliath by Caravaggio was painted between 1605 and 1610. The sword bears the inscription “H-AS OS”, a shortened Latin phrase meaning “humility kills pride.” The dramatic subject matter may reflect Caravaggio’s own turmoil following his involvement in a deadly duel, with the severed head possibly serving as a self-portrait.
The Deposition by Rubens
Peter Paul Rubens, often dubbed the genius of European Baroque, painted The Deposition during his first visit to Rome. The composition conveys both the divinity and humanity of Christ, capturing a moment suspended between death and resurrection. It is displayed in Room XVIII.
Read also about the Doria Pamphilj Gallery
Where to Eat Near Borghese Gallery
Here are three highly rated restaurants near the Borghese Gallery, offering delicious Italian cuisine:
- Il Margutta Vegetarian Food & Art (4.2 stars): A creative vegetarian spot combining excellent food with a gallery-like atmosphere. Located at Via Margutta, 118 – about a 13-minute walk from the Gallery.
- Pauline Borghese Restaurant (4.5 stars): An elegant Mediterranean restaurant found at Via G. Frescobaldi, 5 – roughly a 15-minute walk from the Gallery.
- Spazio Niko Romito Bar e Cucina Roma (4.1 stars): This stylish restaurant by renowned chef Niko Romito, located at Piazza Giuseppe Verdi, 9/E, offers refined Italian dishes and a variety of wines and cocktails—ideal for a relaxing break near the Gallery.
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