We are spending 3 days in Florence followed by 4 days in Rome. We are focusing on art in Florence, including Academia, Uffizi, Bargello, Duomo complex, etc. Also, in Rome we have booked a Sistine Chapel / Vatican Museum tour. I keep hearing that the Galleria Borghese is a "can't miss". But with all the art we will be seeing already I'm wondering if it would similar to what we will have seen in Florence already and our time would be better spent elsewhere. Thoughts?
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6585 posts
I don't think there's any other place in the world like the Borghese. The pieces that keep drawing us back are some Bernini sculptures that bring tears to my eyes every time I see them. The word "masterpiece" is not strong enough. Daphne and Apollo is stunning, and the Rape of Persephone is breathtaking.
If you go, please don't just glance at these and trot on your way. Stop, linger, study, and marvel. You only get 2 hours in the Borghese, and I could spend at least half that time with these two peices.
Posted by
Chicago
792 posts
While I appreciate art, I have low interest in large art museums. But I have been to the Borghese 4 times and plan to go again. The Bernini sculptures are amazing- the detail, the emotion, the size- I don't have the words to describe it.
It's also a much more intimate experience. It's a smaller museum so feels less overwhelming to me. And since there is limited entry, you aren't shoulder to shoulder with people like in the Sistine Chapel or standing in front of the David. The park surrounding the Borghese also makes for a nice walk- a beautiful space of green and gardens in a busy city.
But one's person can't miss is another person's "meh". I have still never stepped foot inside the Uffizi.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16708 posts
If you are an art lover, the Borghese is definitely a "can't miss." The collection is superb, and the building itself is a work of art: each room lavishly, painstakingly decorated to convey a theme: look closely at some of the amazing trompe l'oeil. Google up some pictures?
Michelangelo's "David" in Florence"? 2nd best to Bernini's version, IMHO. Left us speechless.
The bonus is that you will not be overrun, as likely will happen at the Uffizi, Accademia and Vatican. Excellent crowd control allows a restricted number of visitors for each 2-hour time slot and the galleries are completely cleared before admitting the next group. Those 2 hours are plenty of time to take it all in, and a walk in the park (Villa Borghese) afterwards is a pleasure as well!
Our very favorite art museum in Rome: don't miss it!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23653 posts
I would vote with the others. The big advantage is the two hour limit with relatively small crowd BUT that means you have to get your ticket in advance and the times do sell out.
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
I enjoy art but my preference is for 19th-20th century works as well as the ancient. I appreciate the Italian Renaissance and Baroque period, obviously, but I'm just not as viscerally drawn to it. However, the Borghese is one of my favorite museums. The reason is the general experience. Lower crowds, smaller museum, beautiful park setting. Most importantly, I really love the way the sculpture is situated and lit. So many museums seem to just throw sculptures into a bright room, which works OK but it seems like the lighting in the Borghese goes above and beyond to really enhance the art. Somehow it made me appreciate sculpture in a whole new way.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
17 posts
I would tend to agree with others here.
During our first trip to Rome, my wife and I went to the Vatican Museum (and the Sistine Chapel) and the Borghese. For our second trip to Rome, the Vatican will be on our 'Nice to do' list, and the Borghese on our 'Must do' list.
The Bernini and Caravaggio works alone make it worthwhile.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thank you everyone! I'm sold...just bought tickets!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Good for you, Tracy! I hope you will write a trip report when you return.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16708 posts
Yay for you! You won't be disappointed, I promise. Looking forward to a report-back as well!
Posted by
69 posts
You will be so glad you went. It is an emotional experience as many others have tried to describe. The property as well is lovely. Take the shuttle over to the brow of the hill which overlooks Rome! Beautiful.
The sculptures are breathtaking. Beyond comprehension that mere mortals carved them. Take your time and soak it up. It does bring tears to your eyes.
Posted by
Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
207 posts
I think you made the right decision. We went on both our trips to Rome and loved it both times. Enjoy.
Posted by
99 posts
Another vote for the Borghese gallery..We had just one day when we could visit the gallery in our 3 full days in Rome, as it was closed the other two days. It is a totally different experience from the Vatican, which has a wide range of art and amazing crowds to go with it.
The Borghese with its Bernini sculptures and limited crowd are a photographers delight. It was the best museum we visited in our time in Italy. You won't regret your choice.
Make sure u schedule some time for the surrounding gardens which are beautiful as well.
Not that photos can do justice to those amazing pieces of art.
Have a great trip