Villa Borghese is a large public park in central Rome, with entrances near Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps and Via Veneto. Its shady paths, gardens, fountains and monuments give you room to slow down between city sights. Walk to the lake to see the Temple of Aesculapius, or head to the Pincio terraces for views across Rome. The park also contains museums, including the Galleria Borghese, so you can combine time outdoors with art. A boat ride on the lake is another way to explore.
A country estate turned public park
Villa Borghese began as an estate belonging to the Borghese family. Cardinal Scipione Borghese started developing the grounds in the early 17th century, and the family expanded and embellished the property over the following centuries. The Italian state acquired it in 1901, and it opened to the public soon afterwards.
The park is a broad mix of wooded areas, lawns, formal gardens, fountains, sculptures and historic buildings. Its gardens combine Italian-style layouts with English-inspired landscaping. Several entrances make it possible to approach from different parts of central Rome, including Piazza del Popolo, the Pincio gardens and Via Veneto.
The lake and Temple of Aesculapius
The park’s small lake is one of its distinctive landmarks. Antonio Asprucci designed the pond in 1766, and the artificial island at its centre is home to the Temple of Aesculapius, dedicated to the ancient god of medicine. The temple was built between 1785 and 1792 by Asprucci and Cristoforo Unterberger. Its Ionic-style design and position on the water make the island easy to spot from the shore.
You can admire the temple from beside the lake or rent a rowing boat to get a closer view. The water, island and surrounding greenery form a quieter corner of the park, away from the broad paths and open lawns.
Terraces and museums
The Pincio gardens connect Villa Borghese with a set of panoramic viewpoints above the city. From the Pincio Terrace, you can look toward Piazza del Popolo and across Rome’s rooftops and domes. The terrace is a natural stop if you enter from that side of the park.
Art museums are another reason to allow time beyond a quick walk. The Galleria Borghese occupies the villa at the heart of the estate and contains works by artists including Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian. Other museums within the park include the Museo Carlo Bilotti, with works by Giorgio de Chirico and Andy Warhol, and the Museo Pietro Canonica. The National Gallery of Modern Art is also among the cultural institutions associated with the park.
Choosing a route through the grounds
With gardens, museums, monuments and activity areas spread across a large site, Villa Borghese is easier to enjoy if you pick a starting point and a few destinations. From Piazza del Popolo, head up toward the Pincio viewpoints, then continue into the park toward the lake. If art is your priority, plan around the Galleria Borghese and add an outdoor walk before or after your museum visit.
The grounds suit a slower visit as well: take a shaded path, pause on a bench or bring food for a picnic. Families can make use of the park’s playgrounds, while cyclists and walkers have room to explore. If you intend to spend much of the day here, pack water and snacks; the grounds have limited places to eat.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long should I spend at Villa Borghese?
Allow 2 to 3 hours for a walk that includes the lake or a viewpoint. The park is large, and a museum visit will add time.
Where can I see a view over Rome?
The Pincio terraces overlook Piazza del Popolo and the city’s rooftops and domes.
Can you rent a boat at Villa Borghese?
Rowing boats are available to rent on the park’s small lake.
What is the Temple of Aesculapius?
It is an Ionic-style temple on an artificial island in the lake, dedicated to the ancient god of medicine.
