These days when we travel a long distance we give ourselves a day or two to recuperate and adjust to the time change. This trip involved flying into Rome, a great place to get your feet on the ground.
This being a short visit, we didn’t want to spend hours waiting in line for some of the major attractions, so we opted to visit Galleria Borghese where we’d never been. The gallery is located in the villa begun by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the nephew of Pope Paul V. The cardinal used it as a country villa at the edge of Rome.
Borghese was an early patron of Bernini, and the sculptures in his collection are amazing.
From every angle there is such detail.
Up close the expressions tell a story of their own as seen here between Daphne and Apollo.
Just as there is great strength represented in Bernini’s creations,
there is grace and beauty.
While it was difficult to pick a favorite from such magnificent creations, David preparing to slay Goliath may have been it. Again, a story is depicted so powerfully.
In addition to sculpture, there is a great collection of paintings with works by such names as Carvaggio, Raphael and Titian.
As much as I liked the paintings, what fascinated me were the ceilings in every room.
It wasn’t just that the work was beautiful, it was that it was so three dimensional as to make some of the work seem more sculpted than painted.
Finished marveling at the work inside Galleria Borghese, we began walking back to our hotel with a slight detour to the Spanish Steps. There you can always count on merging with masses of humanity which reminds you of all the people who visit Rome to experience the wonder it has to offer. If one has to make a quick stop, this is a wonderful place to do it.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
Lulu's Musings 
I’ve enjoyed going back to the beginning of this year’s travels with the two of you. I don’t know how anyone goes up and down the Spanish Steps anymore, it is so crowded. The last time we were there, we stayed at the Hassler Hotel at the top of the steps but the crowds have certainly taken over since our visit. The art and sculptures at the Galleria Borghese are wonderful.
Glad you enjoyed it. One of my favorite places in Rome.
I can only imagine how over powering it must be seeing this magnificent art in person! Thanks for sharing!
Enjoy!!!!
I haven’t been to the Galleria Borghese either so thanks for sharing. I have been on the Spanish Steps and other major sites but time did not permit the Borghese. Maybe I will have a quick stop like you one day.
I hope you have the opportunity.
Linda, the sculptures are absolutely magnificent. The ceilings always stop me in the pure wonder of the artistry! I have sat on those Spanish Steps, they weren’t that crowded! Enjoy!
Amazing the art done centuries ago.
Hey! I recognize some of those people sitting on the steps. Same group was there when we were in Rome! The art is so spectacular. Thanks for sharing it with us. CherryKay