In some ways Rome is like any big city in the world because it is constantly on the go with outdoor activities for the citizens and visitors to the city. So when you visit Rome, the pace of seeing and enjoying such a busy metropolis can wear out even the most intrepid traveller. So to find that peace and quiet where you can still enjoy the best of Rome in a more tranquil setting, head to Villa Borghese.

While Villa Borghese is not the largest facility of its kind, the 148 acres has a lot to offer, including many museums, aviaries and a wonderful and relaxing artificial lake. In the 16th century Cardinal Borghese bought the vineyard and transformed it to fit his vision that was inspired by Versailles. The Cardinal himself drew the initial designs, sketching out a villa that he later saw constructed to fit his vision.

An artificial lake, which contains a small Ionic temple was added towards the end of the 18th Century.

Cardinal Borghese’s love of birds is reflected in his aviaries at the site where he could keep and enjoy exotic peacocks, ostriches and other lovely species on the grounds where gazelles used to graze.

At the turn of the 20th century, the Villa Borghese was donated to Rome as a public space and by that time it had been developed significantly to include a number of temples, fountains and other outdoor artwork. In fact, you will find the original Tritons who labor in the Fountain of the Moor that you see in the city. The Tritons you find at the more famous location are recreations of these statues.

This delightful 100 year old park offers delights and new things to discover whenever you are there. It is not uncommon at the appropriate time of year to find Siena Square in the park hosting horse jumping competitions that you can enjoy. There is a tranquil botanical garden for you to linger in and it is common to find outdoor concerts being performed at the Piazza di Siena Amphitheater. And not far from the botanical garden you can find a stunning Baroque arch that dates to the 18th century entitled the ‘Arco di Settimio Severo’.

If you get a bit faint from hunger, not to worry, there is a small bar in the center of the Villa where you can find tasty and authentic Italian pasta or just sit back and recuperate your energies over a Campari. And when you are ready to move on, not far from the cafe are the pavilions that were shown at the 1911 Word Exposition.

Of the many great things to see and do at the Villa Borghese, probably the museums draw the most attention.

One reason for the popularity is you can find some sculptures by Bernini on display at The Museo e Galleria Borghese and you can compare those here to the many fountains in the city of Rome that Bernini designed and built. A notable piece that is worth the stop is a Bernini sculpture entitled Abduction of Proserpina by Pluto. But this gallery is home to a number of famous Renaissance painters, including Raphael and Titian.

Another museum that gets a great deal of tourist attention is the Museo Nazionale Etrusco that is on display at the Villa Giulia. The Villa’s name originated from the first owner of the property. Pope Julius II used it for his summer home starting in 1553. The name of the museum is accurate because inside you will find many artworks from the Etruscan collection that had been found during excavation near Rome.

It is easy to find the entrance to the Villa Borghese because it can be found just north of the Spanish Steps. Navigate to that location and you will find the entrance at the end of the Via Veneto and above Piazza del Poppolo and the Porta Pinciana. The Villa Borghese is a wonderful place to spend a morning and get that rest and quiet that is so helpful during a busy tourist schedule and to recover in time to go out for an exciting time exploring the Roman nightlife.