Free Sundays at Borghese Gallery

I went to the Borghese Gallery a few months ago and made a reservation on the phone. I am looking back on my travel notes and it says "Dial 06-32810 and press 2 for English". I remember it being easy to make the reservation! A note: even with a reservation we had to wait in a line that went out the door that morning. The Gallery is beautiful, particularly the Bernini sculptures. Enjoy!

A lot of travelers do book by phone, especially if they have the Roma Card, so I expect that staff will speak enough English to handle that transaction. They know you're calling for a reservation and will just need simple info like date, time, and number or people.

We phoned for our visit (using our Roma Passes) in December 2012, and it was very easy. About the only Italian we know is grazie, prego, and tortellini, but reserving over the phone was no problemo.

As with so many things in life, you often get what you pay for, and free days at other museums in Europe have generally come with huge, bargain-seeking crowds. Even if the Borghese limits the number of people in the building at a given time, a throng out front could mean valuable sightseeing time standing in line. On the other hand, it could offer a worthwhile cultural experience.

As the interior of the building itself is a work of art, in addition to the faublous sculptures, paintings, and furnishings, it's nice to be able to appreciate the rooms when there aren't dozens of other people there at the same time.

Even for free Sundays you must book so call them to do it. They speak English and the transaction only takes a few minutes. Get to the gallery about 45 minutes early to get checked in and check your bags. At 30 minutes prior they start giving away unclaimed reservations so get there early so you don't lose your spot. At about 10 til you can walk to the front doors and wait for them to open up. There shouldn't be any crowds of people other than those with reservations.

Donna

Thanks, everyone, for the useful information. We have been to the Borghese before, on a RS Best of Rome trip, and can't wait to go back. The Bernini statues alone are worth the plane fare. Thanks to Donna for reminding us to get there early. I had forgotten that they give away unclaimed reservation. For the record (oops) the day we planned to go isn't actually the first Sunday, but the second. I have made reservations online, and am all set. Thanks, jllindsa, for the English phone number. I'll take it with me to Rome, just in case.

I think the park there is almost as nice as the museum. It is a welcome relief from the crowds and busy-ness of Rome.