The Borghese Gallery and Museum stands out for its stunning villa location and impressive art collection. Instead of focusing on a large number of works, this gallery showcases a thoughtfully curated selection, offering visitors a chance to spend time with each masterpiece. The setting itself adds to the experience, with beautiful rooms and gardens surrounding the artwork.
The gallery features notable sculptures and paintings by famous artists. Some of the most admired pieces are by Antonio Canova and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, including the remarkable sculpture Apollo and Daphne. Works by the celebrated painter Caravaggio are also displayed here, making the collection especially appealing for art lovers. Each piece is carefully presented, allowing for a close look at the artists’ techniques and styles.
Originally, the Borghese Gallery was a private collection put together by Cardinal Scipione Borghese. For many years, it was considered one of the most magnificent collections in the world. In the early 1800s, Prince Camillo Borghese sold a significant part of the collection to Paris, where many pieces now belong to the Louvre Museum. Since 1902, the villa and its remaining artworks have been owned by the Italian state, preserving an important part of Italy’s artistic heritage.
Admission to the Borghese Gallery is limited to 360 people every two hours. Booking a time slot in advance is highly recommended. Visitors are allowed to take photos inside, which is rare for such a prestigious collection. To make the most of the visit, it’s important to arrive at least 15 minutes before the reserved time. This allows time to pick up tickets from Will Call and leave bags, strollers, and other large items in the cloakroom. The gallery enforces strict entry times, and late arrivals may not be accommodated, so punctuality is essential for a smooth visit.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galleria_Borghese
Although started in the 2nd century, San Callisto has had many more recent burials, including 16 popes. The burial arcades are almost 20 km long.
Built in 81 AD by the emperor Domitianus in dedication to his brother Titus, who died earlier that year and reigned as emperor from 79-81, overseeing the opening of the Colosseum in 80 and the eruption of Mt Vesuvius the previous year.
An example of urban planning that goes back to Pope Julius II, who, in 1508, envisioned it as a street that would connect all major government buildings. It is around a kilometer long and is in a straight line, an unusual feature for the time. It is lined with some interesting palaces but these days is more known for its antique shops. Via Giulia runs parallel with and one block from the River Tiber.
Casal Rotondo is the biggest mausoleum on the Appian Way, at about the sixth mile. It now incorporates a small private villa, originally a farmhouse. It is not known for whom it was built. The wall of fragments next to it, constructed by Luigi Canina, has ruins referring to the Cotta family but this family is now believed to not be associated with the Casal Rotondo.
Parco Savello is the name of the grounds and orange grove next to the Santa Sabina church at the top of the Aventino and also where you have one of the best views of the city. Families gather here to sit under the dozens of orange trees. The "Giardino degli Aranci" is also a well known spot for lovers at night. The best views are arguably from Janiculum hill, just across the Tevere (Tiber) river. Immediately below you, the Tiber snakes its way through the city, and directly beyond it you can see the lively medieval quarter of Trastevere. Beyond that is the majestic dome of St. Peter's Basilica, with the historic centre of Rome visible to the right.
They are posted at entrances to the Vatican City to provide security and protect the Pope. They wear very colourful clothing, similar to the uniforms worn by Renaissance-era soldiers. The Pontifical Swiss Guards is also the smallest and oldest standing army in the world, founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II. The origins of the Swiss guards, however, go back much further as the popes had regularly imported Swiss mercenaries during the 1400s.
Good collection of Renaissance and Baroque art, including by Velasquez, Titian, Raphael, and Bernini, all owned by the Doria Pamphilj family. Excellent audio guides really bring the paintings to life.
A 5th-century basilica, simply and attractively decorated. The wooden door, of which 18 carved panels of scenes from the Bible survive, is believed to date from the church's construction.
Rome's museum of contemporary art, housed in a former industrial complex. Rotating exhibitions, each one usually lasting about 4 months. The MACRO Testaccio exhibition space is located in Aventino-Testaccio.