In the heart of Rome, between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo, lies Villa Borghese, one of the capital’s largest and most fascinating public parks.
With its more than 80 hectares of lush greenery, Villa Borghese is an oasis of tranquility that harmoniously blends nature, art and history, providing an unparalleled experience for Romans and tourists from all over the world.
Strolling through its tree-lined avenues, among enchanting lakes and hidden gardens, one discovers monuments, historic villas and art galleries that tell centuries of culture and beauty.
Here, every corner is a surprise, where the breath of nature is intertwined with the imprint of the great masters.
Here are our tips on what to see and how to get to Villa Borghese, so you don’t miss the wonders of this green corner in the heart of the Eternal City.
History of Villa Borghese in Rome
Villa Borghese was born in the early 17th century as the country estate of Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V and a great patron of the arts.
It was he who wanted the construction of the Borghese Gallery, a treasure chest of art intended to house his precious collection.
Over the centuries, the villa underwent extensions and transformations, becoming the property of the Italian state in 1903 and then opened to the public.
During the 1930s, Villa Borghese experienced a phase of expansion and modernization. New structures such as the Villino delle Rose and other urban modifications were built, further enriching the park and increasing its functionality as a public space.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the villa became the center of a cultural renaissance. Its fame grew further through the establishment of artistic events, such as the Villa Borghese Festival, which became a major annual event.
Over time, the villa’s historicity, natural beauty and artistic heritage attracted artists, intellectuals and tourists from all over the world.
How to get to Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is easily accessible by public transportation:
- Metro A: get off at Spagna or Flaminio stop.
- Streetcar 2: stop at Piazzale Flaminio, from there you can access directly from the north side.
- Bus: several lines (e.g. 61, 63, 83, 160, 910) stop near the villa.
- Walking: it is very pleasant to walk to it from Piazza di Spagna or Via Veneto.
What to see in Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is not just a park, but a true open-air museum.
Here are the main points of interest:
Borghese Gallery
The artistic jewel of the park. It holds masterpieces by Caravaggio, Bernini, Canova, Raphael and Titian. Bernini’s sculptures, such as “Apollo and Daphne” and “The Rape of Proserpine,” are among the most admired works. It is necessary to book a visit in advance, including online.
Carlo Bilotti Museum
Housed in the Orangery, it contains modern works, including paintings by De Chirico and Gino Severini.
Globe Theatre
A faithful reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Elizabethan theater, commissioned by Gigi Proietti. In summer it hosts popular performances.
Temple of Aesculapius
Located next to the pond, it is one of the most romantic sights in the park. Here you can rent small boats and enjoy the quiet.
Bioparco di Roma
One of the oldest zoos in Europe, now converted into a modern zoo. Perfect for families with children.
Pincio Terrace
The panoramic terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo offers one of the most spectacular views of Rome, especially at sunset.
Casa del Cinema
Organizes screenings, reviews and meetings related to the world of cinema. It also has a pleasant café with outdoor tables.
Visit Villa Borghese in 2 hours (quick tour)
If you’re short on time but don’t want to give up the main attractions of Villa Borghese, here are our tips for spending a couple of hours in the green heart of Rome.
- Entrance from Piazzale Flaminio, reachable by Metro A (Flaminio stop), go up to the Pincio.
- Pincio Terrace to see a spectacular view of Piazza del Popolo.
- Walk to the pond, crossing tree-lined avenues to the Temple of Aesculapius.
- Romantic pond to rent a small boat or stop on a bench.
- Exit to Via Veneto or Porta Pinciana, convenient if you need to return to the Spanish Steps.
Practical tips for visiting Villa Borghese
- Hours: the park is open daily, from sunrise to sunset. Museums follow specific hours, so we recommend you consult the official sites.
- Bike or rickshaw rental: available at various points in the park.
- Bars and refreshments: there are several kiosks, bars and small restaurants so you can savor a relaxing moment.
- For those with more time: a picnic or reading while lying in the cool of a tree or on the banks of the pond.
Where to stay in Rome to visit Villa Borghese
If you would like to stay in Rome to visit Villa Borghese, we recommend the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino, located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of major tourist attractions, including the Colosseum and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
The hotel offers spacious renovated rooms and suites, some of which are equipped with the latest generation of Jacuzzis, to ensure your stay is one of maximum comfort and relaxation.
Its central location allows you to enjoy excellent accessibility to public transportation and all the sights of Rome.
To reach Villa Borghese, you have several options.
If you prefer to take the subway, you can simply head to the Cavour stop (line B), which is only a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. From there, take the B line and get off at the Spagna stop. From the Spanish Steps, a walk of about 10 minutes will take you to the entrance of the park.
Alternatively, if you prefer to take a walk to enjoy the beauty of the city, you can easily walk to Villa Borghese in about 20 minutes. Walking along Via Cavour and Via del Tritone, you will pass through the historic center of Rome, finally arriving at the entrance to Villa Borghese, where you can explore the park and the artistic wonders of the area.
By staying at the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a complete Roman experience, with a strategic location that allows you to explore the entire city with ease.