The Galleria Borghese, located in the heart of Rome's Villa Borghese, is a jewel of Baroque art and architecture. Founded in the early 17th century by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the museum houses a rich collection of works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian, as well as sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Antonio Canova.
Garden at Villa Borghese, photographed from inside the museum
Ivy, a psychology consultant living in Germany, chose Galleria Borghese as a stop on her trip to Rome. She shared: "When I read about this place, I felt it was really worth seeing and interesting. It would be a pity if I went to another place without visiting this museum."
Ivy visited Rome in the winter, when the weather was mild with clear, gentle sunshine. She commented: "When traveling in Rome, the most important thing is the weather. Summer is too hot, and winter has fewer tourists, but the weather is very nice." Indeed, winter in Rome often brings warm, sunny days, creating ideal conditions for visiting outdoor attractions.
Visitors cannot help but be overwhelmed by the massiveness and sophistication of the works of art.
Entering Galleria Borghese, Ivy was overwhelmed by the massiveness and sophistication of the artworks. She expressed: "The overwhelming feeling was 'amazing', very surprising. The more I walked, the more I wanted to read about history, the more I wanted to learn and appreciate art." The museum is divided into rooms, each work is fully annotated, making it easy for visitors to learn and connect with art.
Each work is fully annotated, making it easy for visitors to learn and connect with the art.
One of Ivy's memorable experiences was when she read the poems that accompanied the works. She shared: "There are works with poems, so when I read the poems, I will have my own imagination, my own feelings about the work. Everything is vivid, I am impressed with the works made of statues but all are very soft and flexible." In particular, Bernini's sculptures, such as "Apollo and Daphne", are famous for their sophistication and sharpness, making viewers feel the movement and emotions of the characters.
The famous work "Apollo and Daphne"
Ivy found that the art at Galleria Borghese is not only beautiful, but also deeply reflects the culture and religious beliefs of the Italian people. She commented: "Art says a lot about culture and lifestyle. When visiting, looking at and learning about each piece of information inside the museum, I can understand their beliefs and religions. Many works in the museum show religious and mythological themes, providing insight into the soul and history of the Italian people."
Visitors enjoy famous sculptures in the quiet space of the museum.
For the best experience, Ivy suggests that visitors leave their bags outside and wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking. She advises: "Visitors should keep order and read the information before going to avoid 'riding a horse to see the flowers'. Take a day to visit and slow down at the museum to fully appreciate the beauty of art, explore the depth of Italian culture and enjoy a moment of connecting with history in a peaceful, inspiring space. Booking tickets in advance is also important, as Galleria Borghese limits the number of visitors each day to ensure the best experience."
The exquisite Baroque decorative details on the ceiling represent the pinnacle of architectural art.
In addition to admiring the art, Ivy also enjoyed the peaceful natural surroundings of Villa Borghese. The large garden with tree-lined paths, lakes and other attractions created an ideal space to relax and immerse herself in nature.
The lake in the Villa Borghese grounds, the perfect stop after an art exploration
Ivy’s visit to Galleria Borghese was not only a journey of art discovery, but also an opportunity for her to connect more deeply with Italian culture and history. The experience here left a lasting impression on her, urging her to continue to learn and explore more about European art and history.
