Borghese Gardens and Gallery - Private Tour - Rome

The Borghese Gallery is an art sanctuary showcases the genius of Bernini, Caravaggio, Canova, and Raphael. On this tour, select the experience that best suits your interests: a guided tour with intimate group sizes for a deeper understanding or a more independent exploration with our skip-the-line ticket.

Each path leads to the heart of Italian art, amidst the splendor of the former Villa Borghese. Discover the cardinal's collection, the neoclassical allure of Pauline Bonaparte by Canova, and the dynamic expressions of Bernini and Caravaggio.

For those choosing the entrance-only ticket, you’re set for an adventure at your own pace, with the freedom to absorb each masterpiece on your own terms. And if you wish for a structured journey, our guided tour ensures a memorable exploration.

The gallery's most important sculptures and paintings come from the collection of Cardinal Scipione Borghese (1579 - 1633), patron and art collector, son of Ortensia Borghese, sister of Pope Paul V. The cardinal was a fervent admirer of all expressions of ancient, Renaissance and contemporary art and his strong ambition fostered the creation of sculptures and marble groups inspired by the canons of classical art.

The portrait of Pauline Bonaparte Borghese, sculpted by Canova between 1805 and 1808, has been hosted by the Gallery since 1838: the emperor’s young sister is in the centre of the room and poses slightly reclined, with her torso lifted. Her right hand rests on the armrest of the Agrippina, while she clasps an apple in her left. The nude bust and the soft folds of the cloth covering the lower part of the princess' body make this work one of Bernini's masterpieces and one of the timeless icons of Neoclassical art.

Bernini's works, including Apollo and Daphne, The Rape of Proserpine and The David, to name a few, are also undisputed protagonists of the Gallery's spaces and one cannot remain indifferent to them. The museum's collection of paintings is equally remarkable and includes wonderful works by Caravaggio, Tiziano, Correggio, and Raphael, all exhibited on the second floor of the building along with many others.

In 1807, Camillo Borghese sold 154 statues, 160 busts, 170 bas-reliefs, 30 columns, and various vases to Napoleon, forming the Borghese collection of the Musée Napoléon, which was to become theLouvre Museum a few years later.

After your visit, consider wandering through the expansive Villa Borghese gardens.This lush retreat, crowned by the Pincio Terrace, offers panoramic views of Rome’s historic landscape, a perfect epilogue to your gallery experience.