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.
It was the 18th century that brought the artificial lake to Villa Borghese along with a wonderful small temple that is 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.
Villa Borghese has now been a public park for a century and it has become a wonderful place to discover a wide variety of delights. For example, depending on the time of year you visit, you may find horse jumping contests going on at Siena Square. Also, at the Piazza di Siena Amphitheater on any given evening you may find an outdoor concert about to be given. If the music isn't to your liking, wander over to the botanical garden and get lost in the plant life. But as you leave the gardens, be on the look out for a stunning example of 18th century baroque architecture in the arch named '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.
Another notable museum got it name because the building was originally the summer home for Pope Julius II in the year of 1553. So in the Villa Giulia you can find a museum named Museo Nazionale Etrusco - so named because the museum is primary devoted to showing Etruscan works that have been brought from excavations from the hills not far from 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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