Villa Borghese gardens

Villa Borghese gardens are a large landscaped public park in Rome, Italy, arranged around the historic Villa Borghese estate and incorporating formal gardens, tree-lined avenues and cultural institutions. The park occupies a major green space on the Pincian Hill north of Rome’s central piazzas.

Within the gardens visitors encounter formal lawns, fountains, and grottoes as well as several cultural attractions including the Galleria Borghese, a small zoo and promenades that offer viewpoints across the city. The Pincian Terrace provides elevated views over Piazza del Popolo and toward central Rome.

The gardens and villa were created in the early 17th century by Cardinal Scipione Borghese as a private estate, combining landscaped grounds with a villa for an important art collection; the site was later opened to the public and developed into the present park and museum ensemble.

The gardens occupy Pincian Hill in central Rome, situated between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna, and are within easy walking distance of the Spanish Steps and other central landmarks.

• Tickets for main gallery: Timed-entry tickets are required for the principal museum in the park; reservations are recommended especially in high season.

What to See #

• Galleria Borghese: An art gallery housed in a seventeenth-century villa that contains important sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio and other masters; entry is by timed ticket.
• Pincian Terrace: A raised terrace and garden area that provides panoramic views over Piazza del Popolo and parts of central Rome.
• Bioparco: A zoological garden located within the park grounds offering animal exhibits and family facilities.