Skip-the-Line Borghese Gallery Tour

You'll be introduced to the masterful sculptures of Bernini, including his dynamic Apollo and Daphne and the emotionally charged Rape of Proserpina. Discover the depth and drama in Caravaggio’s Sick Young Bacchus, and marvel at Canova's elegant depiction of Paolina Bonaparte. Afterward, explore more independently or continue on your next Rome adventure.

Skip-the-Line Borghese Gallery Tour

Your 2-hour tour includes:

• Skip-the-line entrance to the Borghese Gallery

• Professional, English-speaking guide

• Access to temporary exhibitions (when available)

• Earphones for a more intimate tour experience

• Small group tour of max 15

• Bernini’s sculptures, Caravaggio’s paintings, Canova’s sculptures, Raphael's masterpieces, and more!

Some rooms of the Gallery may be closed to visitors due to renovation works.

Welcome to the Borghese Gallery

Your tour begins in the lovely Piazzale del Museo Borghese, located just outside the Borghese Gallery. Here, you’ll meet your expert guide and enjoy an intriguing introduction to Rome’s crown jewel of art and history. From the expressive sculptures of Bernini to the captivating paintings of Caravaggio, you’re about to take a deep dive into the art of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Galleria Borghese, nestled within the expansive grounds of Villa Borghese, stands as a testament to the artistic and cultural heritage of Rome. Originally commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the early 17th century, it served as both a suburban retreat and a showcase for his unparalleled art collection. Designed by the architect Flaminio Ponzio, the villa and its surrounding gardens were transformed into a magnificent cultural haven. Galleria Borghese, completed in 1613, soon became the home to Cardinal Borghese's extensive collection of Renaissance and Baroque art, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Bernini, and Canova.

Step into a piece of History for Italian Art

Over the centuries, Villa Borghese and its gallery have witnessed the ebb and flow of history. The villa changed hands multiple times, and its collection was both expanded and altered. However, the core of the Borghese art collection remained, and in 1902, the Italian government acquired the villa, turning it into a public museum. Today, visitors to Galleria Borghese have the privilege of stepping into the lavish world of Cardinal Borghese, experiencing the grandeur of the villa's architecture and the richness of its art collection.

With your exclusive skip-the-line tickets, you'll bypass the crowds and enter the Borghese Gallery without delay. This quick access allows you more time to explore the gallery's grand halls and learn about history's most influential artists.

Bernini's Sculptures and Caravaggio's Paintings

Once inside, you'll encounter stunning sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Apollo and Daphne and The Rape of Proserpina are just some of the masterpieces found here, and your guide will bring these fascinating pieces to life through captivating stories.

As you stand before Apollo and Daphne and The Rape of Proserpina, you'll be transported to a time when Baroque art reigned supreme. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a master of the Baroque period, skillfully brought marble to life, infusing his sculptures with dynamic movement and intense emotion. Apollo and Daphne freezes a moment of transformation as Apollo pursues the nymph Daphne, capturing the essence of metamorphosis in stone. The Rape of Proserpina, meanwhile, immortalizes the mythological abduction of Proserpina by Pluto, showcasing Bernini's ability to convey both power and vulnerability in his art.

Next, meander over to the hauntingly beautiful paintings of Caravaggio. Works like Sick Bacchus and Boy with a Basket of Fruit showcase his dramatic use of light and shadow and are thought to reflect his tumultuous life: Sick Bacchus is believed to reflect Caravaggio's own struggles, while Boy with a Basket of Fruit exemplifies the artist's mastery of light and shadow, creating a visual feast of colors and textures.

Canova's Sculptures and Raphael's Masterpieces

Your tour continues with the elegant sculptures of Antonio Canova, including the famous Paolina Bonaparte, which is renowned for its lifelike details and relaxed pose. As you stand in the presence of this sculpture, you'll be immersed in the Neoclassical beauty that defines Canova's work, marking a distinct departure from the exuberance of the Baroque era.

This tours and the Gallery, with plenty of time to explore it by yourself in case you wish to.