Tour Details
Duration
2.5 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
Borghese Gallery
Photos & Highlights
- Explore masterpieces by Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini
- Enjoy easy access with advance ticket reservations and a private expert in art history
Select a date
Tour Description
A triumph of gold, marble, and ostentation, during a period of enormous wealth, intrigue, and politics. This is the essence of the Roman Baroque, and this is what you will find within the walls of the Borghese Gallery.
Once the private art collection of Cardinal Scipione Borghese, one of the wealthiest, most powerful, and most controversial individuals in 17th-century Rome, the Borghese Gallery is today one of the most stunning art galleries in the world, housing some of the greatest works of art ever created.
Led by an expert in art history, this in-depth Borghese Gallery guided tour features a significant portion of Cardinal Borghese's exceptional art selection. Discover masterpieces by Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini, learn about the complex relationships between art, politics, and society at the time, and gain insight into Papal power and the politics of aristocratic Rome during the Baroque era.
With each step, the Borghese Gallery unveils layers of history, culture, and artistic genius just waiting to be discovered. Let yourself be captured by the dramatic work of Bernini, one of the most important artists of this era, and immerse yourself in the tension and movement of Apollo and Daphne, the dynamism and concentration of David, the exquisite detail, and emotional intensity of Proserpina's Abduction.
Experts
- You want more than simply the idea behind great works of art. You'd like to gain a better grasp of the complexities and the society that created these masterpieces.
- You've been to Rome before and you have overlooked or missed the Borghese Gallery. This time, you want to get a better understanding from an expert who can help you make the most of your visit.
- You want easy access to one of Rome's most demanded museums. You prefer the convenience of a guided tour that takes you straight to the security gates.
- Borghese Gallery
Tickets
Our visit to the Borghese Gallery includes advance entry tickets, allowing you to skip the general ticket office line. Although you can skip the main ticket line, there may still be a brief wait for security screening or ticket scanning. Please be aware that the museum enforces a strict limit on the number of visitors allowed at any given time, resulting in highly limited ticket availability. Consequently, some changes and reschedules may occur, and we appreciate your patience in these instances.
Please Note: the Borghese Gallery is undergoing works of renovation and some rooms might be closed exceptionally and unexpectedly. Your expert will adapt the itinerary accordingly if necessary.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
- For more information and inspiration while planning your travels to Rome, take a look at our other Context experiences.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes, photography is allowed during the tour, but please make sure to turn off the flash to protect the artwork.
Why isn’t this tour offered on Mondays?
The Borghese Gallery is closed on Mondays so we are unable to offer tours.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
Yes, the Borghese Gallery is accessible to people with mobility issues. Wheelchair users can access a dedicated entrance, and wheelchairs are also available for rent on-site. Due to the cramped spaces, guests may occasionally be asked to temporarily swap their wheelchairs for the museum's smaller, easier-to-maneuver wheelchairs.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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587 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Our docent was very knowledgeable and focused on the Bernini sculptures. Since the Borghese only allows you two hours it is impossible to see everything in one visit, so this was a logical way to approach it.
Sandra
Reviewed on:
Jun 17, 2017
Paolo was a most engaging and stimulating guide. He is a professor and we would have loved to take any course he gives, anywhere. He is passionate and clear. We loved learning from him and talking with him.
Joan
Reviewed on:
Jun 11, 2017
Lauren Golden, our docent, treated us to a spectacular tour! We were spellbound by Lauren's presentation. Every moment was filled with an intensity created by Lauren's incredible knowledge and insight into the artist, the politics of the time, as well as contemporary debates surrounding various pieces. Lauren personifies the "Context" philosophy. We left out tour changed by the magnificent art and by the experience Lauren created. As a person who holds an earned doctorate in education, I would rate Lauren as a 10! She is a magnificent teacher. As a side note, our tour was impacted logistically by two participants arriving late and then periodically wandering off; additionally a non Context client was so mesmerized by Lauren's presentation that she tried to join our group. Lauren handled both situations skillfully.
Cathy
Reviewed on:
Jun 5, 2017
