Point of interest
Galleria Borghese
in Rome, Italy
Set in a park villa, this gallery displays masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio – timed tickets only.
Where it is
The Galleria Borghese is set in the Villa Borghese, the large park north of the historic centre, on Piazzale Scipione Borghese.
Address: 5 Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 00197 Rome
What it is
The museum gathers masterpieces such as Bernini's sculptures 'Apollo and Daphne' and 'The Rape of Proserpina', several Caravaggio paintings and works by Titian and Raphael in a compact space. Visits are governed by strictly limited two-hour slots, and advance reservation is compulsory.
History
The collection goes back to Cardinal Scipione Borghese, one of the foremost art patrons of the early 17th century and a supporter of Bernini and Caravaggio. The villa was built from 1612 as a display and summer residence for his treasures. Since 1903 the collection has been state-owned and open to the public.