A park full of treasures

Villa Borghese is far more than greenery: it's a park dotted with scenic gardens, world-class museums and romantic corners. Here's what you can't miss.

The Giardino del Lago

The romantic heart of the park is the Giardino del Lago (Lake Garden): an artificial small lake with a tiny island at its center, crowned by the Temple of Aesculapius, an elegant neoclassical temple mirrored in the water. You can rent rowing boats for a spin across the water, gliding past ducks and water lilies: one of the most pleasant and romantic experiences in Rome. We've given it its own guide: the Giardino del Lago.

The Pincio terrace

On the edge of the park, the Pincio terrace offers one of the finest views over Rome, looking out across Piazza del Popolo all the way to St. Peter's dome. It's stunning at sunset. We cover it in our guide the Pincio terrace.

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The museums of Villa Borghese

Inside the park you'll find some of Rome's most important museums:

  • The Galleria Borghese (Borghese Gallery), home to masterpieces by Bernini (Apollo and Daphne) and Caravaggio (booking required).
  • The GNAM (National Gallery of Modern Art), with Canova, Klimt and Van Gogh.
  • The Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia, with the Sarcophagus of the Spouses.
  • The small Museo Carlo Bilotti and the Casina di Raffaello (for children).

Piazza di Siena and the green spaces

Also not to be missed:

  • Piazza di Siena, the oval clearing surrounded by greenery that hosts the famous equestrian competition.
  • The Galoppatoio and the tree-lined avenues for walks, jogging and cycling.
  • Fountains, statues, mock ruins and the Pincio's water clock.

How to plan your visit

In half a day you can see the best of it:

  1. Enter from the Pincio (the view) or from Piazza di Spagna
  2. The Giardino del Lago (rowing boats and the Temple of Aesculapius)
  3. Piazza di Siena and the avenues
  4. A museum of your choice (Galleria Borghese by reservation, GNAM or Villa Giulia)
  5. The Bioparco (Rome's zoo), if you're with children

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see in Villa Borghese? The Giardino del Lago with the Temple of Aesculapius, the Pincio terrace, Piazza di Siena, the museums (Galleria Borghese, GNAM, Villa Giulia) and the Bioparco.

What is the Temple of Aesculapius? An elegant neoclassical temple on a tiny island in the small lake of the Giardino del Lago, one of the most romantic and photographed corners of the park.

Which museums are there in Villa Borghese? The Galleria Borghese (Bernini and Caravaggio, by reservation), the GNAM, the Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia and the Museo Carlo Bilotti, among others.

Can you rent rowing boats? Yes, on the small lake of the Giardino del Lago you can rent rowing boats for a romantic spin among the water lilies.

How much time do you need to see everything? Half a day for the park and one museum; more if you add the Bioparco and activities.

See also

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Article #453 · Category: Neighborhoods · Updated: May 2026