Borghese Palace

Palazzo Borghese, located in the heart of Rome, is an emblematic example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Built between the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the palace was designed by a series of illustrious architects including Vignola, Martino Longhi the Elder, Flaminio Ponzio, Carlo Maderno, and Giovanni Vasanzio. Its history is closely linked to the powerful Borghese family, who made it one of the most prestigious residences in the city. The building, also known as the “Borghese harpsichord” for its characteristic plan resembling a harpsichord, is considered one of the four wonders of Rome. The main facade facing Piazza Borghese is an example of sober Renaissance elegance, while the interior is rich in Baroque decorations that testify to the wealth and taste of the Borghese family. The inner courtyard, designed by Martino Longhi the Elder, is one of the most fascinating elements of the palace. Surrounded by 100 granite columns, the courtyard is a place of great beauty and harmony, enriched by fountains and statues that create an atmosphere of refined elegance. This space represents the heart of the palace, where guests could admire the magnificence of the architecture and decorations. Inside the palace, the rooms are decorated with frescoes and stuccoes of extraordinary beauty. One of the most significant examples is Gaetano Lapis’s Birth of Venus, created between 1771 and 1772, which adorns one of the main rooms on the noble floor. This work, along with others, reflects the Borghese’s attention to art and culture, and their commitment to commissioning works from the best artists of the time. One of the most fascinating features of Palazzo Borghese is its art collection, one of the most important in Rome. Among the most famous works that once adorned the walls of the palace are Raphael’s Deposition, Diana’s Hunt, and the Cumaean Sibyl by Domenichino, as well as masterpieces by Caravaggio, Correggio, Titian, and van Dyck. Many of these works are now exhibited at the Borghese Gallery, transferred there in 1891 to allow for better preservation and public enjoyment. The history of the palace is enriched by a series of interesting anecdotes. For example, Cardinal Scipione Borghese, one of the main patrons of the palace, was known for his refined taste and passion for art. It was he who commissioned many of the works that now enrich the Borghese collection, and transformed the palace into a leading cultural and artistic center. Over the centuries, the palace has undergone various transformations and expansions. After 1670, Carlo Rainaldi was commissioned to enlarge the building, adding new wings and further enriching its architectural structure. These interventions have helped make Palazzo Borghese one of the most representative buildings of Roman Baroque architecture.