Now home to the Borghese Gallery and to absolute masterpieces of art history, the Villa Borghese Pinciana was founded in the early 1600s by the powerful and refined Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Starting in 1770, however, Prince Marcantonio IV Borghese entrusted the architect Antonio Asprucci with the task of redeveloping and renovating the building, modifying its interior decoration.
Thanks to the collaboration of an expert team of Italian and foreign artists (including Gavin Hamilton, Tommaso Conca, Mariano Rossi, Giova Battista Marchetti and others), the villa became a model of stylistic renovation, close to the definitive establishment of Neoclassicism. The surfaces of the rooms were thus transformed into settings for ancient and modern marble, the walls were covered in marble stucco polychromy, and the 17th-century fireplaces were replaced with so-called “French” ones, set against the wall and adorned with precious materials.
To highlight this extraordinary work, which is still little known, Galleria Borghese is organizing a special in-depth tour led by museum staff. The focus of attention is the 18th century cycle of painted vaults, broken up by elegant architectural quadratures, with precious stucco frames and central panels exalting the Borghese family and its ancient origins, with a subject in close dialogue with the masterpiece in the room.
Visits take place from Tuesday to Friday at 2.30 p.m., with free admission and compulsory reservation (at +39 06 67233755). The tour lasts about 40 minutes and includes a visit to rooms I, II and III. Admission to the museum does not entitle you to visit the other rooms. For more information, visit the official website.
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