We couldn’t get into the Borghese Gallery on this Rome trip, and are heading home in the morning. We did visit another stunning palace today, though, and it’s a worth consideration for anyone to see instead of (or in addition to) the Borghese.
The Palazzo Doria Pamphili, in downtown Rome, is a magnificent place. In the 1600’s, Pope Innocent the Tenth had his nephew made a Cardinal, but that nephew quit so he could marry. This was his place, and he was an avid collector of art. His descendants, a prince and princess, still live there. The prince narrates the audio guide
The extraordinary art collection includes masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Velasquez, Pieter Bruegels (both the Elder and the Younger), and Memling, among many, many others. There are Berninis and other remarkable sculptures, too, although not quite on the scale of the Borghese. No time limit, so you can visit longer than the maximum 2 hours the Borghese allows. No crowds, no required entry time, no reservations needed, €14 entry. There’s a Hall of Mirrors, smaller than that at Versailles, but still amazing. The other rooms themselves are stunning, too, each different, and splendid. Some ancient Roman artifacts, as well. Well worth seeing, in addition to, or maybe instead of the Borghese Gallery.