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Discover one of Italy's most prestigious art collections with this visit to the Borghese Gallery. Admire masterpieces by Bernini, Canova, Caravaggio and Raphael while exploring one of Rome's most elegant museums, located in the heart of the Villa Borghese gardens.
When in Rome, a visit to one of the world's most significant art collections is an absolute must. The Borghese Gallery, nestled in the former Villa Borghese – once the country retreat of a noble Roman family, offers a captivating journey through the realms of artistry. Gray Line I Love Rome invites you to discover this gem in the heart of the Eternal City, accompanied by our exceptional guides and in a small group of a maximum of 10 people. Our aim is to provide you with an unforgettable experience, immersing you in the best of Italian art and culture.
As we guide you through the Gallery's interior and exterior spaces, you'll be enveloped in an atmosphere of timeless elegance, refinement, and grandeur. The gallery boasts an exceptional collection of sculptures and paintings from the patronage of Cardinal Scipione Borghese (1579 - 1633), an ardent admirer of ancient, Renaissance, and contemporary art. His passion fueled the creation of sculptures and marble groups inspired by classical art.
One of the gallery's highlights is the renowned portrait of Pauline Bonaparte Borghese, sculpted by Canova between 1805 and 1808. This masterpiece features the emperor's young sister reclined with her torso lifted. The exquisite details, including her right hand resting on the armrest of the Agrippina and the apple she holds in her left hand, make this work one of Bernini's masterpieces and a timeless icon of Neoclassical art.
The gallery also houses Bernini's celebrated sculptures, such as Apollo and Daphne, The Rape of Proserpine, and The David, to name a few. These works are nothing short of captivating and leave a lasting impression on all who behold them.
The collection of paintings on the second floor is equally remarkable, featuring splendid works by Caravaggio, Titian, Correggio, and Raphael, among others. In 1807, Camillo Borghese sold a substantial part of the collection to Napoleon, which eventually formed the core of the Musée Napoléon, now known as the Louvre Museum.
Due to its immense popularity, gaining access to this attraction can be challenging. However, with this tour, you'll receive a skip-the-line entrance ticket, ensuring hassle-free access. Additionally, you have the option to include a hotel pick-up service, allowing you to reach the Galleria directly from your hotel in the city center. Alternatively, you can choose the variant without pick-up, where you'll meet your guide and the group near the Gallery's entrance.
Once the guided tour concludes, we recommend spending some time at Villa Borghese, the vast public garden surrounding the Gallery. Take a leisurely stroll along its avenues and reach the Pincio Terrace, offering breathtaking views of Piazza del Popolo, the Prati district, St. Peter's Dome, Gianicolo Terrace, Quirinale Hill, Altare della Patria (Piazza Venezia), and the Campidoglio. From this vantage point, the entire city of Rome will unfold before your eyes, providing a truly memorable experience.
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