Borghese Gallery Guided Tour: Skip The Line

Built between 1609 and 1613, Galleria Borghese houses one of the world's best collections of art. That's not hyperbole: sculptures by Bernini, paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian the list goes on. There's no better way to appreciate it than in a small group, with a passionate guide, bringing the masterpieces and the story of the collection to life. If gargantuan museums like the Vatican and Louvre give you museum fatigue, you'll love your experience at the Galleria Borghese. Visits here come in two-hour slots, and are limited to 360 people at a time. So it gets busy, but not sardine-full. Some of the many highlights include Canova's saucy semi-nude sculpture of Paolina Borghese (sister of Napoleon) casually reclining on a couch. Bernini's David and Apollo and Daphne, showcase the artist's gift for capturing action in stone. There are also many paintings from Renaissance bad-boy Caravaggio, including his Saint Jerome Writing, in which the saint appears to be using a human skull as a paperweight. Other highlight canvases include Raphael's Deposition and Titian's Sacred and Profane Love. Your allotted time is just two hours, and seeing the collection with a guide will help you make the most of this opportunity; you won't just see the work, you'll come to understand the artists' intentions, and how they came to be in this lavish home. On the second half of the tour, your guide will lead you through the manicured lawns, fountains, lakes, and monuments of the magical Villa Borghese Gardens. The tour ends with a breathtaking view from the top of the Pincio Terrace.
Duration: 2 hours