Two Sightseeing Dilemmas In Rome

"should I still visit the Borghese Gallery or would a visit to the Rome National Museum or something else be more worthwhile?"

It depends on your interests. If you can give us an indication of what your interests are, regarding museums, then we can give a more useful answer.

I would definitely recommend a visit to the Borghese. It was a highlight of our last trip.

In my opinion, without a doubt, choose the Borghese. It is not to be missed.
Make sure you make reservations online.

The Catacombs of Priscilla are fascinating. You are often escorted by a nun from the church and there will be perhaps 5-7 others on the tour with you. It truly is a special place and in my opinion far more worthwhile then the tourist filled catacombs. Make sure you find out when they are open. I can't tell you the bus numbers but there are buses that will take you close to them. They are next door to Villa Ada a huge park in Roma. Actually they are probably only about a five to ten minute taxi ride from the Galleria Borghese.

Enjoy!

Thanks for the input, folks.

Concerning Borghese vs. National Museum: My first thought was to visit the Borghese Gallery instead of the museum. However, I was just concerned that visiting the Vatican Museums AND the Borghese Gallery would be somewhat redundant - at the expense of visiting the National Museum. I'm interested in seeing it all - unfortunately, choices need to be made.

Nokomis - You've convinced me to try to visit the Catacombs of Priscilla. My dilemma was that the more popular catacombs were closer and clustered around other sites as opposed to the C of P being "out of the way."

Another question concerning the C of P: Can one "drop in" to visit the catacombs and still be assured to get a tour in English? How long should one allow to visit the C of P.

In July, what is air conditioned in Rome? Vatican Museums? Borghese? Museums? Churches? Colosseum? Restaurants? Cabs? Public Transportation?

Thanks

PS - Just kidding about the Colosseum!

Visiting the catecombs along the Appia Antica was one of the highlights of my trip to Rome.

William,

Just plan on nothing having AC.

Speaking as a Renaissance historian, but also a student of classical art, I would definitely advise the Borghese over the National Museum. Now remember, there are many "National Museums" in Rome, so it might help to know which one. I assume you are talking about the one near the train station.

After the Vatican, you will have seen tons of wonderful ancient sculpture, but the Borghese is really unique as it shows a window into early 17th century taste in sculpture, painting and classical statuary. Plus the walk through the Villa Borghese grounds is worth the trip alone.

When I visited the Catacombs of Priscilla last April it was one of the most poweful spiritual experiences I have ever had! Make sure you take the time to visit them and you'll experience a form of Christianity that, at least from my point of view, is not widely practiced today.

The Borghese Gallery was my favorite in Rome. I did not, however, visit the Rome National Museum. Exquisite art and sculptures in the Borghese. Don't forget to make a reservation in advance if you don't want to hang around all day. Ask your accomodation person to make it for you.

We just visited Rome for 6 days in November. We are a family of 4, two girl ages 8 and 11, and we all loved the Borghese Gallery. We make a point of researching the art we are going to see so the girls will have a better appreciation of what they are looking at. The house itself is worth the visit! Simply beautiful. We loved looking at the details in the Apollo & Daphne and Pluto & Proserpina and there was a Caravaggia/Bacon exhibit also going on. We spent a good number of hours at the Borghese. After touring the museum, we bought sandwiches and went to sit in the gardens (more like Fall in November!). Our girls ran around, while my husband and I people watched. One of our highlights!

We also went to the main branch of the Rome National Museum. We were actually disappointed. To us, it was just statute upon statue, and all blended together. We were much more interested in the building itself/ruins than what was in the museum.

We just loved Rome. Great food, better wine and the people were so friendly!

Great input, all.

Thanks,

Bill