Another vacation, the last one this year. Warm October in Rome. Many photos will be added, sorry 🙂
As I conclude the photo diary of my second day in Rome, I’m transported back to the serene embrace of Villa Borghese, the city’s third-largest public park. A haven of tranquility amidst the bustling streets of Rome, Villa Borghese offers a delightful escape into an English-style paradise.
Every first Sunday of the month, the Villa Borghese official website, along with its partner sites, opens its doors to visitors, offering them a chance to explore this magnificent complex virtually for free. The only cost is a €2 service fee for entry into the Villa’s museums.
Stepping into the park’s embrace, one is immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. The abundance of greenery, the crisp, clean air, and the melodious symphony of birdsong create an idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. The park’s winding asphalt paths, though bearing the gentle marks of time, only add to its rustic charm.
Leisurely strolls through the park reveal hidden gems: cozy benches beckon weary travelers, inviting them to pause and savor the serenity of their surroundings. The park’s numerous fountains, each a masterpiece of design, offer a refreshing respite from the warmth of the Roman sun. Their cool, crystal-clear waters quench thirst and awaken the senses.
For those seeking a more active adventure, Villa Borghese offers a delightful alternative: renting an electric car or a four-wheeled bicycle. Gliding effortlessly through the park’s expanse, one can admire the picturesque landscapes and soak in the beauty of nature. It’s an invigorating experience that leaves one feeling refreshed and energized.
Villa Borghese is more than just a park; it’s an oasis of tranquility, a sanctuary for the soul. It’s a place where one can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse oneself in the beauty and serenity of nature. Whether seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a moment of quiet reflection, Villa Borghese promises an unforgettable experience.
History buffs will be captivated by the Etruscan National Museum of Villa Giulia. For those who appreciate the work of architect and sculptor Bartolomeo Ammannati, a tireless innovator of intellectual Mannerism, a visit to the Medici Villa, one of the park complex’s “gems,” will be a must.
Nestled within the former aviary of the Borghese family, skillfully reconstructed under the guidance of architect Antonio Asprucci, lies the Museo Pietro Canonica. This captivating museum houses an extensive collection of sculptures by Pietro Canonica, an Italian artist, sculptor, and composer who garnered immense recognition not only within Italy but across the globe.
Embark on a captivating journey through the realm of modern art at the Museo Carlo Bilotti, housed within the enchanting confines of a former orangery. This remarkable museum showcases an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from the personal holdings of Italian-American art collector Carlo Bilotti. Immerse yourself in the works of renowned masters such as Giorgio de Chirico, Larry Rivers, Andy Warhol, Gino Severini, and Giacomo Manzù.
Prepare to be captivated by the masterpieces housed within the Galleria Borghese, a treasure trove of artistic wonders. This magnificent gallery, nestled within the confines of the Villa Pinciana once owned by Cardinal Scipione Cafarelli Borghese, the nephew of Pope Paul V, promises an unforgettable artistic experience.
I’ll be sharing photographs from the Galleria Borghese (as well as from other Roman museums I’ve visited) in a separate album.
The gallery, or rather the mansion that now houses it, is situated on the northeastern side of the sprawling Villa Borghese gardens. The collection itself is a testament to the refined taste of its patrons, encompassing works by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Lucas Cranach the Elder, Hans Holbein the Younger, Caravaggio, and many more. Alongside these painting masterpieces, the gallery boasts an impressive collection of sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and other renowned sculptors from antiquity.
As I continue to curate my Roman photo album, I’m taking you on a stroll through the bustling Termini Station neighborhood, where we were fortunate to stay during our recent trip. Let me tell you, this location is an absolute gem for travelers – everything is conveniently within reach.
Whether you’re arriving from the airport or embarking on your return journey, Termini Station serves as your transportation hub. From here, you can seamlessly connect to trains bound for Naples, Florence, and a myriad of other destinations.
Step inside the station and discover a well-equipped supermarket, ready to cater to your grocery needs. Need to withdraw cash? No problem, you’ll find ATMs readily available. And for those seeking to explore the city by bus, Termini Station serves as the final stop for numerous routes. Additionally, organized bus tours of Rome depart from this central location.
Navigating Termini Station is a breeze, as it grants direct access to both lines of Rome’s metro system: Lines A and B. An information kiosk stands ready to assist you with any queries, while a pharmacy ensures your well-being. And for those seeking to stay connected, you can conveniently purchase a SIM card and activate an internet plan.
As you’ll notice from the accompanying photographs, the weather during our exploration was nothing short of ideal, providing a delightful backdrop for our stroll.
Historical Note
On December 20, 1950, the doors of Termini Station (Stazione Termini) swung open to welcome passengers, marking the culmination of an architectural masterpiece that had begun to take shape in 1937. The brainchild of Benito Mussolini, the station’s construction was interrupted by the ravages of World War II. However, with renewed vigor, work resumed in 1947, and within three short years, Termini once again stood ready to greet visitors.
In the year 2000, the station underwent a comprehensive renovation, a transformation that cost the city of Rome 119 million euros. This ambitious undertaking propelled Termini to the forefront of modern railway stations, aligning it with the highest global standards.
Today, Termini Station transcends its role as a mere transportation hub, embodying a miniature city within itself. Life pulses through its veins 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Passengers can not only seamlessly navigate to any corner of Italy or Europe but also avail themselves of a vast array of amenities: cafes, restaurants, shops, luggage storage facilities, currency exchange counters, and much more.
Termini Station rightfully holds its place as one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, a symbol that beckons visitors from across the globe. Each year, millions of people traverse its halls, leaving behind indelible memories of their Roman adventure.
And let’s continue our stroll through the Eternal City ( Imeprium sine fine ).
Another day in Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, and surroundings
On Monday, October 16th, we set off for the Trevi Fountain (which was having its water turned off that day for maintenance and cleaning). It was a gloomy Monday, so we brought out an umbrella and raincoat…
In the evening, we went to the Bridge of Sant’Angelo (Ponte Sant’Angelo), which connects the districts of Ponte and Borgo – one of the most famous Roman hydraulic structures. It is also known as the “most named” bridge in Rome. Over its nearly 1900-year history, it has changed its name many times and in different eras was known as the Bridge of Elio (ponte Elio), the Bridge of Hadrian (ponte di Adriano), the Bridge of Castello (ponte di Castello), and the Bridge of Saint Peter (pons Sancti Petri).
And I even ran all the way to St. Peter’s (and stood in line in the square for about 40 minutes). Well, hello, Vatican (we visited the Vatican Museums later, on Wednesday, but more on that later).
On this day, I ventured into a neighborhood little-known to tourists – the Coppede District. A veritable hotbed of Roman Art Nouveau, created in 1915-1927 by the Florentine architect Coppede, inspired by ancient Rome, ancient Greece, and even Assyria. As guidebooks put it, it’s a kind of “answer” to Gaudí’s Barcelona )) Luckily, it turned out to be not far from our Termini. Beautiful, to say the least. After our morning excursion to the Coppede District, Masha and I headed to the center, around the Corso and Via Tritone.
On this day, the second-to-last in Rome, I strolled through Trastevere. Trastevere is a picturesque district of Rome, spread across the western bank of the Tiber River, south of the Vatican. Its name comes from the Latin ‘trans Tiberim,’ meaning ‘beyond the Tiber,’ ‘across the Tiber.’ In ancient times, it was a district of artisans and merchants, and today Trastevere is famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, cozy cafes and restaurants, and the unique atmosphere of Roman bohemia. I walked around the Tiber and Piazza Venezia. I managed to feel the special atmosphere of Trastevere, it’s a pity that I didn’t have enough time for it. Never mind, I’ll be back someday…
The last day of my Roman vacation. I spent the first half of the day at the Villa Barberini. Barberini was the nephew of Pope Urban, who bequeathed his gardens and mansion to be annexed to the Papal Palaces, which are larger than the Vatican.
I really wanted to visit the church of Santa Maria del Popolo, but it was closed, so I walked around the Villa Borghese, which we were only able to partially explore a week ago. Now I’ve seen the part adjacent to Piazza del Popolo, which I’m very happy about. A worthy part indeed )
With that, I solemnly declare the addition to my Rome album closed.
