Personally, I think the Galleria Borghese, although beautiful, is somewhat overrated - the Bernini sculptures are great, but the paintings leave a lot to be desired. It seems like at least a few of the Caravaggios are always off at some exhibition, and the second floor is filled with mostly obscure Italian Baroque painters. I prefer the Vatican Museums and even the Doria Pamphili.

However, one thing nobody has mentioned yet in this thread is that there is a major Raphael exhibition opening tomorrow (the 18th, through sometime in August) at Galleria Borghese - it will have about 50 of his paintings from museums around the world. So if you have any interest in Raphael, I would say the Borghese is definitely a must see.

My last message was slightly incorrect - the Raphael exhibition opens on the 19th, not the 18th, and will have 24 paintings (including many never before seen in Italy such as la Belle Jardiniere from the Louvre) and 26 drawings.

I cannot imagine describing the Borghese as over-rated, but then I think Bernini's sculptures are some of the most amazing pieces of art I've ever seen.

tamarat - do you love art? what do you think about Bernini? If you're not that into it, perhaps you'd be best skipping it. But, ike me, you're an art person, you really should see the Borghese.

What Bob the Nave said. It's a place on earth where I can actually feel peace of mind, heart, and spirit, and going there is a ritual for me. I simply wish I could do it more often.

Buon Viaggio,
BC

I really enjoy Borghese not really because of its arts - hey, if someone wants to see the best art ever created, he/she can go to the Lourve or something.

But it's the overall experience - how uncrowded it is, how close one can get to the sculptures, etc. That's what so unique about it.

Seriously, I am a very "casual customer" when it comes to art, and I have even less interest in sculpture. Yet, the experience at Borghese is so incredible to me.

I love paintings and art history in general, but have never had any interest in sculpture. However, the art that probably moved me most on my trip to Italy (other than, perhaps, the sheer awe of the Sistine Chapel) was the Bernini sculptures in the Borghese. He truly had the ability to turn stone to flesh. I'd call it a must-see.