If you have read any of my previous posts you know that when I visit a large touristy city I always like to seek out a nice Park-Villa Borghese is my choice in Rome.

One of the arches in the Villa Borghese park

I visit a park when I need a quiet break away from the hustle and bustle. Villa Borghese is a large beautiful quiet park, easy to reach on public transportation.

Garden and wall

I sometimes have trouble climbing up stairs so I take the bus to the Santa Maria del Popolo entrance. The bus goes through the arch and I get out at the first main street inside the park and spend the day walking through it-coming out at the top of the Spanish steps. It is much easier to walk down.

At the bottom of the Spanish steps is the piazza di Spagna and access to transportation. The metro Spagna is near there – we stayed in Trastevere on this trip so we took the bus.

Fountain river god Marjorie

The park reminds me of a modern albeit a very upscale subdivision. It is filled with luxury villas that were built originally as homes for the aristocracy. The grounds of these villas and public spaces are filled with beautiful gardens, fountains and statues of famous poets, writers, artists, philosophers and politicians. Many of the buildings are currently being used for museums art galleries and restaurants.

Beautiful villa

One of many beautiful villas

conservatory

The main building is the villa Borghese it houses Galleria Borghese with magnificent works of art. If you go late in the day it is less crowded. Another nice thing is they only allow a small number of people in at a time so it is a much more pleasant experience than you may have at the larger art galleries in Rome. It is really worth a visit. There is also a lovely gift shop in the villa with a separate entrance.

Galleria Borghese at Villa Borghese Rome

On this day we just walked, if you prefer there are several ways to get around in the park from Segway, bicycles for one, two or for family’s even a mini train.

Segway

The park is vast and apparently there is even a zoo though I have never visited it.

We stopped for a pleasant lunch at an outdoor café and rested. There is a variety of dining options scattered throughout the park.

Snack stand Villa Borghese

Sitting by the little lake it looked like a scene from a 19th century novel with couples paddling around in rented row boats with the sun sparkling on the water.

Small lake

Further into the park we happened upon whimsical looking children’s merry go rounds. Actually I never saw many children in Rome, as they have a low birthrate; that is until we were in the park. It was filled with families out for the day. Lots of mothers with strollers. We even saw a private school with elegantly dressed parents driving very expensive vehicles like Mercedes dropping off the children.

whimsical cars of a merry go round

There is wireless available, and the access areas are noted like street signs.

This way to WiFi

A large map is posted to help you navigate your way.

Map-Villa Borghese park Rome

We were lucky to reach the area above the Spanish steps just in time for the sun setting. We were able to see the beautiful vistas to take pictures.

looking down on Rome

Sunset over Rome

Villa Veneto

Then we headed to the area above the Spanish steps for an evening of window shopping along via Veneto with its very luxurious and fashionable boutiques, cafes, hotels and have something to eat and a rest with the crowds in the piazza below the bottom of the steps.

Spanish steps

It is crazy and filled with tourists so be careful of the gypsies as they hang out there trying to get your stuff.

I am usually very careful, but alas even I lost my transitional glasses to them at the Spanish steps.

I usually ignore them, however; they got me distracted by poking me with fake roses and the wire hurt. They pretended they wanted me to take one for free and just wouldn’t leave me alone.

No matter-these things happen, I can only blame myself, and it was still one of our most pleasant days spent in Rome.

I highly recommend a visit to villa Borghese if you have a free day.

Note: The park itself is free (80) hectares but there is a charge for entrance to the art galleries, and museums.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Borghese_gardens