Piazza di Siena

At the origins of the Borghese dream

In the heart of the splendid Villa Borghese, Piazza di Siena is a true jewel that combines history, elegance and tranquillity among the refined geometries of the flowerbeds and the greenery of the centuries-old trees. Built at the end of the 18th century to a design by architect Antonio Asprucci, it takes its name from the Tuscan city of the same name, the town of origin of the noble Borghese family: together with the evocative Giardino del Lago, it was commissioned by Prince Marcantonio IV, who desired on the property an area, inspired by the famous Piazza del Campo in Siena, dedicated to horse races and traditional open-air events.

A timeless sporting passion

Although the works were completed after the prince's death, Piazza di Siena has respected its original vocation. After becoming the property of the Italian State at the beginning of the last century and, together with the entire park - excluding the Borghese Gallery and its precious artistic collection - transferred to the Municipality of Rome in 1903, it has hosted numerous sporting events over time. Among them are the Italian Athletics Championships (1907, 1908 and 1909), some horse races of the Games of the XVII Olympiad in 1960 and, since the end of the 1920s, the CSIO, the prestigious international equestrian competition held in May.

Strolling between art and nature: on the trail of beauty

Piazza di Siena is the perfect starting point to explore the wonders of Villa Borghese: museums, ponds, sculptures, gardens and fountains for an itinerary rich in surprises. The adjacent Casina di Raffaello, in the 16th-century casino once the home of Scipione Borghese's attendant, is the playroom of Roma Capitale, where art and creativity come to life with numerous activities for children. Not to be missed is the Borghese Gallery, one of the most prestigious museums in the world, home to an extraordinary art collection with masterpieces by artists such as Bernini, Canova, Caravaggio, Raphael and Perugino.
Seventeen hectares dedicated to biodiversity characterise the Bioparco: around 200 animal species from every corner of the planet and a vast botanical collection to experience exotic and wild nature in the centre of Rome. A short distance away, the Pietro Canonica Museum is a little gem where you can admire the works of art, private apartments, and atelier of the internationally renowned sculptor. The enchanting Giardino del Lago is a little corner of paradise, dominated by the dedicated to Aesculapius, on a small island in the middle of the lake. After a visit to the Carlo Bilotti Museum, housed in the ancient Orangery, and its fine collection of contemporary art, the Pincio Terrace offers a privileged perspective on the monumental Piazza del Popolo and the historic centre of Rome.