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Are you visiting Rome? Do you have a limited amount of time to spare? Instead of going to the Vatican, book a visit to the Galleria Borghese. This art gallery packs its treasures into a smaller facility and limits the number of visitors. Say goodbye to being suffocated by the 30,000 people who enter the Vatican Museums daily, and truly take the time to appreciate some of the most famous sculptures in all of Rome. I personally think the Galleria Borghese’s 20 rooms are much more manageable than the Vatican’s 11,000 rooms. Yeah, you read that right. The Galleria Borghese was previously a 17th century palace and summer entertainment (party) house for the noble Borghese family. Today, it belongs to the Italian state and features sculptures from ancient Roman times, Renaissance paintings from the fifteenth to eighteenth century, and floor mosaics from the Colosseum. Oh, and just like the Galleria Doria Pamphili (my guide here), the building itself is a work of art. If classical sculptures aren’t your thing, just look up. The ceilings are decorated with intricate scenes from Roman mythology. Can you imagine throwing a ball in a room like this?! The most famous work of art is Bernini's Rape of Prosperina (shown in my first photo), and while the name is rather jarring, this sculpture is incredible. Just look at Prosperina's leg... Bernini carved a block of marble into something that resembles skin, and photos don't do it justice. He completed this sculpture at the ripe age of 23. I don't know about you, but I know I certainly won't have accomplished even half of that by the time I turn 23. My favorite sculpture in this gallery is the Venus Victrix (pictured below). Antonio Canova made this masterpiece with Napoleon Bonaparte's sister, Pauline, as his muse. Some say she was the most beautiful woman in the world. It was completed in 1808. While this sculpture is absolutely magnificent, just remember (ladies, I'm talking to you!) that it isn't 100% accurate. The Venus is an idealized version of Pauline's figure. Other famous artists whose works are featured in this exhibit include Raffaello, Tiziano, Correggio, and Caravaggio. PS: The Galleria Borghese is located inside of the Villa Borghese gardens - the biggest park in Rome. Remember how I said the Galleria would take two hours? Perhaps, if you have time leftover, you must take a walk through the park. More on this beloved spot later. Ready to book your spot? Click here to reserve a time. I will suggest that you book early (and arrive early), as only 360 people can enter during a two hour slot! Although, if you visited during January, it's possible to waltz right in. Address: Piazzale del Museo Borghese 00197 Rome Hours: Tuesday through Sunday - 8:30 am until 7:00 pm Ticket price: 13 euros (includes a guided tour, Wi-Fi, and bag storage) On a final note, I am in no way dissing the Vatican. If you visit Rome, it is silly not to visit. I'm just saying that my attention span isn't big enough to remember and appreciate all the artifacts in there, which is why I found the Galleria Borghese so much more enjoyable. Have you ever heard of the Galleria Borghese? Let me know in the comments section below!
120 Comments
2/3/2017 07:05:17 pm
Thank you Danik! Yeah, I didn't know it was in there until much later, as well. I am glad to be sharing it with other people!
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Rebekah Bedard
2/3/2017 08:29:12 pm
Wow so amazing! I would love to visit Rome!
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2/2/2017 05:50:19 pm
Haven't visited Rome yet , but this Gallery looks gorgeous!
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2/3/2017 07:09:33 pm
If you go to Rome, let me know if you have a chance to make it to the Galleria Borghese!
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2/4/2017 03:09:31 pm
I love comments like these, Carissa. It's never too crowded, so leaving the guided tour gives you a room to yourself ;)
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2/3/2017 07:30:26 pm
Thank you for checking out my post, Sam! I am always looking for off-beat yet cool things as well :)
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2/4/2017 03:03:39 pm
Next week!? Have a lovely trip! Let me know how it goes :)
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2/3/2017 07:33:21 pm
Thank you Christi!
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2/3/2017 07:06:41 pm
The Vatican is great but it's often overwhelming and crowded!
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2/3/2017 07:03:18 pm
Thank you for reading, Ada :) It's a great place to visit if you're in Rome.
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2/5/2017 10:34:11 pm
I'm happy to share it with you, Letitia. I hope you have the chance to visit sometime soon! You'll have to keep me updated :)
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2/3/2017 09:07:52 pm
Gorgeous photos! You're making me want to visit Rome! Thanks for sharing :)
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2/4/2017 03:11:22 pm
I'm so glad you stumbled across my blog, Jill. Thank you for reading!
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2/4/2017 03:06:40 pm
That's so cool that you've been! It's awesome, isn't it?!
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2/4/2017 03:07:46 pm
You should totally visit, if you get the chance. Thanks for reading, Desiree.
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2/4/2017 05:25:21 am
We were in Rome 1.5 years ago and I wish we had visited Galleria Borghese! Hopefully we'll return soon!
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2/4/2017 03:04:47 pm
Thanks for your kind comment, Marice. If you return, you must let me know :)
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2/4/2017 03:02:12 pm
Rome is a wonderful place to go! And the wine is just the best, Crystal.
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2/5/2017 10:32:28 pm
I'm so glad to have shared this with you, Emma. Send me a message when you visit! I'd love to hear how you liked it :)
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2/5/2017 01:08:24 am
I absolutely loved the Borghese Gallery when I visited Rome. I agree, it's definitely a hidden gem. But I'm not sure I'd skip the Vatican for it. Instead, I'd recommend saving time to do both!
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2/5/2017 02:14:02 pm
Rome really is something special. I love this hidden treasure!
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2/5/2017 10:31:18 pm
Thank you for your comment, Anja.
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Jen
2/5/2017 07:48:32 pm
Rome really has one of the most stunning statues. and have been know for it worldwide. I look forward to visiting this place.
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2/9/2017 01:35:59 pm
Sounds like a plan! Thank you for reading, Jen.
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Jen
2/9/2017 06:02:39 pm
And thank you for sharing this. I'm sure the place is awesome. 2/5/2017 10:29:03 pm
Thank you so much! I am taking a photography class right now, so I'm hoping to keep improving the photographs on here.
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2/6/2017 01:57:17 am
You brought back pleasant memories of Galleria Borghese, We had a great time there when we visited a couple of years ago. The sculptures are really mesmerizing and stand in silent reverence to the artistic genius of their makers.
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2/6/2017 02:46:11 am
This sounds like an incredible gallery! What a great place for an afternoon out!
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2/9/2017 01:37:43 pm
It makes the perfect trip! Thanks for reading, Stephanie.
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2/6/2017 04:28:42 pm
How absolutely gorgeous! But I guess you can't go very far in Rome and not run into some sort of beauty. Thanks, I'll bear this in mind next time!
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2/7/2017 07:23:27 am
These artifacts are more than just beautiful. For me, the painting from the ceiling is very fascinating.
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2/9/2017 12:35:31 pm
I think so too! The tour guide focused on the sculptures, but I couldn't help but stare at the paintings as well.
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2/7/2017 09:10:44 am
This is a hidden gem filled with wonderful treasures. Luckily I've been to the Vatican a few times already. But I haven't seen this gallery yet. I will surely see it next time I'm in Rome. Thanks for the great tip.
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Shane
2/7/2017 08:56:57 pm
Unfortunately I only had 48 hours in Rome and stuck mostly to the outdoors. This looks like a can't be missed for next time!
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2/8/2017 12:39:26 am
Love all the art. I can't remember if we made it to Galleria Borghese when we were in Rome. I'll have to dig through my photos.
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Andrea Broom
2/8/2017 06:40:01 pm
Wow, need to send this to a friend of mine that is visiting Rome this year. Thanks for the tips.
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2/8/2017 06:41:31 pm
Oh wow this is truly a gem! When I first read the title I didn't think it would be this grand! I'd love to see it in person.
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2/8/2017 06:52:07 pm
Looks like a beautiful place to walk through! Sculpture fascinates me so I'm sure I'd love this, and that's without even counting the beautiful art of the building itself.
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2/8/2017 09:47:51 pm
Oo I'd love to go here! Everything looks so neat. I hope to be able to get to Rome at some point.
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2/8/2017 11:19:59 pm
I've always had Rome on my bucket list. Do you have other favorites in Italy that you can recommend?
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2/8/2017 11:29:24 pm
I am a huge fan of history so this 17th century palace, gallery looks beautiful and I really love the style of paintings. So pretty xx
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2/9/2017 12:27:10 am
Wow, I never even knew that place existed or that the Vatican was nearly that big! Both must be a sight to behold! I will have to add it to my list of things to do if I ever get to visit!
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2/9/2017 01:07:31 am
This artwork is seriously amazing!! When I eventually get to Italy, I'm putting this on my site list. It looks incredible!
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2/9/2017 03:37:58 am
What a gorgeous place! All the sculptures that you have shared are really magnificent! I went to Rome and I also visited the Vatican museum and loved it! But yeah, it was CROWDED!
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2/9/2017 06:30:14 am
Your photos are beautiful. I hope someday I am able to see this in person.
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2/9/2017 12:32:07 pm
I agree, Chloe! My apartment building is older than the USA itself. Just so much charm and history.
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2/9/2017 06:56:58 am
The Villa Borghese gardens sound awesome too. I would definitely make time visit them before or after seeing the gallery. Probably after because i'd be so overwhelmed by all the amazing works there.
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2/9/2017 12:29:28 pm
That is very true! Yes, I absolutely love the gardens. I plan on going back soon, so stay tuned for a blog post about them!
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2/9/2017 01:10:19 pm
Imagine how long it would take to paint the ceiling it's amazing. I know how long it takes me to paint my apartment and that's just solid colours not elaborate oil paintings. I've got to see Galleria Borghese.
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2/9/2017 01:38:49 pm
That is a good point. It was probably someone's life's work. Thanks for reading!
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Elizabeth O.
2/9/2017 02:58:43 pm
It would be nice to go back to Rome! This post made me miss my trip there, so much memories! I wish I was able to go to this art gallery though. It is truly breathtaking.
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Maryanne
2/9/2017 03:33:13 pm
Great images, such a great art
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2/9/2017 08:48:42 pm
Rome looks beautiful. Such nice photos. I hope to visit one day.
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deb
2/9/2017 10:36:35 pm
Galleria Borghese looks spectacular! what an experience!
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CourtneyLynne
2/9/2017 10:58:40 pm
Omg so many lovely photos!!! I would love to visit Rome one day. Definitely one place on my travel bucket list
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Robin Rue
2/10/2017 01:17:35 am
I have always wanted to visit Rome. This looks like an absolutely gorgeous place to see.
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Andrea Broom
2/10/2017 04:01:15 am
This looks awesome! You seemed to have a great time! Love the photographs.
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katrina gehman
2/10/2017 06:39:14 am
wow, those are some amazing photos. i would love to visit some day.
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2/10/2017 07:28:07 am
What I love about Rome is the rich history and their collection of art and everything beautiful! This gallery is an example of how much they value art! I would love to see this someday soon.
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2/10/2017 08:39:48 am
It's so beautiful inside, I would have loved to visit it! You are lucky.
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Our Family World
2/10/2017 12:11:48 pm
There are many reasons to visit Rome. The history, art, culture are amazing.
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2/10/2017 02:15:04 pm
This look so beautiful. I would love to visit one day. xx
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2/10/2017 03:11:10 pm
I've always wanted to visit Europe. I'd spend forever admiring those statues. They're very realistic.
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2/11/2017 06:10:42 am
Rome is seriously amazing! I have to visit sometime :)
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2/12/2017 07:26:21 am
I would love to visit Rome one day. These are only artifacts that can be truly taken in with all of their beauty in person.
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2/13/2017 09:10:16 pm
I'd love to get there one day. It's like a page out of an art history book.
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2/14/2017 09:43:49 am
I am glad to have been able to share it with you, Elizabeth! Thanks for reading.
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Erin
2/14/2017 12:06:08 pm
It's so hard for me to fathom that people can carve into stone with such life-likeness. The fabric draping over the leg on the Prosperina is incredible!
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2/14/2017 01:17:09 pm
Oh, how pretty! I didn't go there last time I was in Rome but there is always a next time :)
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3/13/2017 10:53:47 am
The galleria Borghese looks amazing and the quality of the art works breathtaking. I visited the Vatican some years ago and found it very overwhelming. I prefer something more compact. Great choice.
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Ali Rost
3/15/2017 04:23:02 am
My husband and I absolutely love going to museums! If we ever make it to Rome .. this one will be at the top of our list.
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Tereza
3/21/2017 08:42:14 am
How majestic does this place look! Wonderful! You must feel ever so humble walking in a gallery like this x
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4/28/2017 02:34:09 pm
I did a study abroad in Rome and this was one of my favorite places we visited during my "Our Art, Our Body" class. The gardens are amazing so you need to leave time to check them out for sure.
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ABOUT MEHi, I'm Cassidy and this is my travel journal, aimed to inspire you to go and see our beautiful world! Featured Post: |