Hi, has anyone taken the Metro to the Spanish Steps and
climbed from the "underground" to get to the Borghese Gallery? If you have done this..are we talking about climbing up alot of stairs?...or are there escalators, or
people movers available? How long did it take to reach
the Borghese Gallery from the Metro?
My other alternative would be to take the Metro to the Termini Station and hop on a bus which would let us off
near the Borghese Gallery.
What would you suggest? Thanks.
Shirl,
I've taken that route, but unfortunately can't recall how many steps there were? When exiting the Spagna metro stop, I recall a bit of a walk through a "tunnel". When you exit into the small plaza, turn left to the Spanish Steps. Walk past the fountain and left up the Spanish Steps.
When you reach the top of the Steps, turn left and walk (perhaps?) a quarter mile or so. As Liz mentioned, this is where it gets a bit confusing. I recall a "ramp" or paved pathway (which will be across the street) going uphill. If you take that, you'll end up in Villa Borghese (the Park).
As I recall, at the top of the "ramp" you'll turn right, go past a small Gazebo (or other structure), and then bear left. By this point, you should be able to see the Borghese Gallery.
The office where you'll pick up your reserved tickets was downstairs in the basement and to the right (same area as souvenir shop), and I'm presuming that's still the case. The Luggage check was to the left.
Note that the Borghese Gallery is VERY strict about bags, and you'll have to check Purses, Camera Bags, Daypacks and just about anything else you'll be carrying. NO photos are allowed inside, and there are Guards and CCTV in each room to make sure this rule is followed! The Gardens surrounding the Gallery are beautiful and photos are definitely worthwhile.
You might have a look at This Map as it might provide you with a better view. Use the Spagna Metro stop as "reference".
Good luck and happy travels!
It is an Easy and Pleasant walk from the vicinity of the Termini Station ( we went from the Santa Maria della Vittoria Church) to the Borghese Gallery. It took about 20-30 minutes of slow strolling!
Getting to the Borghese can be a little confusing. As I recall, it had escalators but half of them were out of service, so we had to use the stairs.
For all you need to know about the Galleria and how to get there, check out this post:
Shirl,
Although you didn't ask about taxis, four of us took a taxi to the Borghese. We were let out right at the driveway to the museum. I don't recall it being particularly expensive for the taxi. The Borghese was our favorite museum of the trip and we highly recommend it.
There are several checkpoints to maneuver after you pick up your reserved tickets. At the third checkpoint, my friend was told to go check her purse, even though she had made it through the two earlier checkpoints. The checkstand for bags is next to the one for tickets. You might want to take care of checking your bag when you get your tickets, as you only get 2 hours inside the museum and you will want all 2 hours for the wonderful art.
Deb
We recently visited the Borghese and took a taxi from Termini for about € 8 as I recall. Split among 4 people it wasn't a bad deal (negotiate a price before you get into the taxi or insist that he turns on the meter). The walk from Spanish Steps isn't too far, about 20 minutes, but as Liz said it is a bit confusing. The bus from Termini works well also. Make sure you make your reservations well in advance-I emailed our hotel ahead of time and had them make the arrangements.
Sometimes cabs are best, like in this situation. Also, don't be late -- they will turn you away if you are late for your timed entrance.
I'd like to thank everyone for their replies to my
questions about getting to the Borghese Gallery.
Regards...Shirl
You can also take the 116 bus which winds through the city from Campo de Fiori, past the Plaza de Spagna and goes right to the Borghese.
There are def. some steps. I actually took photos of some of the steps because I kept getting lost on the way, and I was using my digital photos to help me remember how to get back (I know that sounds crazy, but it worked!). Anyways, I count about 50 steps from my pictures, though I can't recall that I photographed EVERYTHING. Also, that's assuming the escalators were working which isn't always the case. If you're still feeling anxious about it I'd be happy to email my photos to you, just PM me!
If you decide to take the bus, according to RS Rome guidebook the #910 from Termini drops you off "a few steps from the villa" at the Via Pianciani stop. Don't expect to catch the #116; they only hold 3 or 4 people and are almost always full.
The very best info on Borghese and other topics regarding Rome is at www.roninrome.com. He posted clear pictures of the various bus and metro stops along with detail descriptions. You have to see it to believe it.
Just returned yesterday from 3 city Italy trip. We took the #910 bus from Termini to visit the Borghese. The bus drops you off right across the street from the Borghese, and the return bus is on the same side of the street, about a half a block away. It was extremely easy to take. Hope that helps!
We took the metro to area of the Borghese Gallery and found it to be VERY confusing on how to get there. We wandered around on the Borghese grounds for a good half hour before finally stumbling upon the gallery. If I do it again, I'm taking a taxi or a bus that will let me off at the gates!
