Galleria Borghese History

The Galleria Borghese history starts way back in 1613 when the nephew of Pope Paul V, Scipione Borghese, was appointed as Cardinal at a very young age of 27 years.

Rome is home to many astonishing public works, including intricate fountains across the country. Cardinal Scipione Borghese is known as the architect of all these public works. Because of his remarkable contribution to embracing public works, he was given the title of “Pontefice Massimo” by his peers.

After he assumed the charge as Cardinal, he primarily focused on the Vatican art collection. Apart from the public display, he always praised art and cultures and had also assembled a private collection of artwork. The visitors can witness his collection.

Cardinal Scipione was a big fan of art. Because of that, he gathered a collection of sophisticated and breathtaking art and sculptures from both the ancient and modern eras.

The Borghese Galleria history is all about the artistic vision of Cardinal Scipione and his perseverance to make Villa Borghese not only an art exhibition but a comprehensive centre of culture, nature, and art.

To realise the vision of the Cardinal, two of the most skilled architects of Rome were employed for the job. Flaminio Ponzio and Giovanni Vasanzio did the complete design work of the villa, and the idea of making it a centre of art, culture, and nature was at the core of the design idea.

According to the old records of Galleria Borghese History, the villa was covered by the sculptures on its exterior. The villa's design was well defined into two levels - first and second. The first floor is reserved primarily for sculptures and paintings of the second-floor house made by various famous artists across Rome.

Cardinal Scipione had a vision of making Villa Borghese a birth centre. The villa is surrounded by lush greenery—rare exotic plants embracing the beauty of the whole structure.

The work, initiated by the Cardinal as soon as he assumed the charge, was completed in 1620. Upon its construction, the entrance to the village was through a double staircase inspired by Michelangelo's designs for the Senatorio Palace on Capitol Hill.