Villa Borghese Park: The must-see attractions and the best outdoor activities to do in Rome's most fascinating garden

Villa Borghese, one of Rome's largest and most captivating public parks, is much more than just a green space. Spanning approximately 80 hectares, this splendid park is home to a wide range of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Strolling through its tree-lined paths means immersing oneself in the beauty and history of Rome, enjoying a unique mix of art, nature, and relaxation. Here is a complete guide on what to see and do in Villa Borghese.

1. Galleria Borghese: A Priceless Art Treasure

One of the main attractions of Villa Borghese is undoubtedly the Galleria Borghese. This museum houses one of the most important and renowned art collections in the world. The gallery was originally built in the 17th century by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, a great patron and art collector, to house his extraordinary private collection.

Inside the Galleria Borghese, visitors can admire works by legendary artists such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian. Among the most famous masterpieces are Bernini's "Apollo and Daphne," Canova's "Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix," and Raphael's "The Deposition." Every room in the museum is a jewel that tells the story of Italian art through priceless sculptures, paintings, and frescoes.

2. The Garden of the Lake: A Romantic Oasis

Another unmissable corner of Villa Borghese is the Garden of the Lake, a picturesque and tranquil area where visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature. At the center of the garden is a small artificial lake, adorned with an elegant Ionic temple dedicated to Aesculapius, the god of medicine in Roman mythology.

Here, you can rent a rowboat to take a ride on the lake, surrounded by centuries-old trees and the chirping of birds. The Garden of the Lake is the perfect place for a romantic stroll or to relax away from the city's hustle and bustle, immersed in a serene and enchanting atmosphere.

3. Bioparco di Roma: An Adventure for All Ages

Within Villa Borghese is also the Bioparco di Roma, one of Italy's oldest and most renowned zoos. Founded in 1911, the Bioparco is today a modern conservation and education facility, home to over 200 species of animals from around the world, including elephants, lions, giraffes, tigers, and many more.

The Bioparco is a perfect place for families with children, who can learn about the world's fauna and the importance of conserving endangered species. In addition to classic exhibits, the Bioparco offers educational activities, workshops, and interactive shows that make the visit even more engaging.

4. The Pincio: A Panoramic View Over Rome

The Pincio Hill, located in the southwestern part of Villa Borghese, is one of Rome's most famous panoramic viewpoints. From here, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city, with Piazza del Popolo in the foreground and the dome of St. Peter's Basilica on the horizon.

The Pincio is also famous for its gardens, enriched with statues, fountains, and terraces that offer spots of rare beauty. The place is particularly captivating at sunset when the golden light of the sun illuminates the rooftops of Rome, creating a magical and evocative atmosphere.

5. Casina di Raffaello: Fun and Culture for the Little Ones

Within Villa Borghese lies the Casina di Raffaello, a cultural center dedicated to children. Housed in a historic building dating back to the 16th century, the Casina di Raffaello offers a rich program of educational activities, art workshops, and readings for the little ones.

This space is designed to stimulate children's creativity and imagination, offering them the opportunity to approach the world of art and culture in a fun and interactive way. The Casina di Raffaello is the perfect place to spend a few hours of intelligent and stimulating leisure with the family.

6. The Carlo Bilotti Museum: Contemporary Art in the Heart of Villa Borghese

Another museum not to be missed is the Carlo Bilotti Museum, housed in the Orangery of Villa Borghese. This small but fascinating museum is dedicated to contemporary art and is named after the collector Carlo Bilotti, who donated his collection to the city of Rome.

The museum features works by artists such as Giorgio de Chirico, Andy Warhol, and Gino Severini, as well as temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. The Carlo Bilotti Museum is a place where you can explore the dialogue between tradition and modernity in an intimate and evocative setting.

7. Cinema dei Piccoli and Casa del Cinema: Cinema and Culture in the Villa

For cinema lovers, Villa Borghese offers two must-see spots: Cinema dei Piccoli and Casa del Cinema. Cinema dei Piccoli, recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest cinema in the world, is a historic cinema that screens films for children and families in a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

Casa del Cinema, on the other hand, is a cultural center dedicated to the seventh art, with screening rooms, exhibitions, meetings with directors and actors, and much more. Housed in a recently restored historic building, Casa del Cinema is a gathering place for film enthusiasts, where the magic of film is celebrated in all its forms.

8. Strolling and Outdoor Activities

In addition to its cultural attractions, Villa Borghese is the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers a vast network of paths perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. You can rent bicycles, rickshaws, or even roller skates to explore the park in a fun and dynamic way.

Furthermore, Villa Borghese has several areas equipped for picnics, playgrounds for children, and tennis courts. During the warmer months, the park also becomes the venue for numerous cultural events, open-air concerts, and theatrical performances, offering an even richer experience for visitors.

9. The Water Clock: A Fascinating Historical Oddity

One of the lesser-known but equally intriguing attractions in Villa Borghese is the Water Clock ("Orologio ad Acqua"). Located near the lake in the Garden of the Lake, this unique clock was designed in 1867 by Giovanni Battista Embriaco, a Dominican friar with a passion for engineering. The Water Clock operates using the power of water, which drives the mechanism that moves the clock hands.

The clock is housed in a small, elegant wooden and glass pavilion, perched on a rocky island in the middle of a small pond. The Water Clock stands as a fascinating blend of science, history, and art, representing a perfect example of 19th-century ingenuity. Its presence adds a charming and almost magical touch to the already picturesque surroundings of the Garden of the Lake.

Villa Borghese is much more than just a park: it is a microcosm of art, culture, history, and nature in the heart of Rome. Whether you are an art lover, a cinema enthusiast, a family with children, or simply looking for a peaceful oasis to relax, Villa Borghese has something to offer everyone. Every corner of the park tells a story and invites you to discover the many beauties that make this place one of the most precious treasures of the Eternal City.