Museum and Galleria Borghese

Description

Including works by Caravaggio, Bernini, Botticelli and Raphael, the Borghese collection reflects the exquisite taste of Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the most enthusiastic collector of his time. Never hesitating to use his power in order to procure the works he was interested in, ScipioneBorghese would stop at nothing in order to obtain the paintings he desired. Indeed, Cavaliere d’Arpino was arrested in order to allow Scipione to confiscate his canvases while Domenichino was arrested in order to make him sell his La Caccia di Diana to the all-powerful cardinal.

Between 1605 and 1614, Cardinal Scipione built the Casino Borghese, a villa in which to house his enormous collection of paintings and sculptures, in the centre of his estate. The Casino Borghese was often the location of sumptuous parties.

Unfortunately not all Scipione’s art collection has been kept in one place as many works were transferred to the Louvre when Napoleon’s sister Paolina married Camillo Borghese, the son of Marcantonio Borghese.

For visitors

Opening hours

9-19

Entrance fee charged

How to get there

The place of interest can be reached bus by Via Pinciana.