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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572 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.
Dony did a wonderful job of showing us the Borghese Gallery collections. We highly recommend this tour! He was very informative, starting with a brief history of the Borghese family while we walked the grounds, illuminating the history of the sculpture garden and noting the gallery's ties to the Napoleonic era. Dony took note of our particular interest in Bernini's sculptures and pointed out details and elements of each that showed his careful study of the works. Paintings and other important sculptures were pointed out as well as we toured the gallery with historical and artistic context described in a way that illuminated each piece for us. There was a lot to see and take in, his descriptions were to the point, showed wit and humor while he kept us moving so we could see the many important works in the gallery. It was an amazing and unforgettable experience!
Gary
Apr 19, 2025
Our highlights tour of the Borghese with Paolo Gardelli exceeded all expectations. From our all-you-need-to-know-about-the-history-of-Rome 20-minute conversation on the sunny steps of the Borghese to the fascinating narrative of the art inside, Paolo was an expert at both subject matter and bringing the history alive. Our 14-year-old is particularly fascinated with the Roman mythology and Greek underpinnings of the Renaissance and Paolo engaged him in lively discussion throughout. An excellent tour led by an exceptional tour guide!
David
Apr 4, 2025
Guido was wonderful. So engaging and told us more than we thought to even ask! A lovely day with him!
Edith
Mar 4, 2025
