View Article: 091605 The Villa Borghese

	091605 The Villa Borghese
	written by leahs2 / 09.26.2005

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Itinerary

My photograph taken on-site.

The Villa Borghese

My photograph taken on-site.

Piazza del Popolo

Patricia and I left the apartment at 7:30 AM in order to arrive at the Villa Borghese Museum with time to spare. We caught the mini-bus that tools through the Campo dei Fiori area and disembarked at the foot of the Villa Borghese Gardens. Strolling through the gardens in the early morning sunlight was delightful. We took our time walking along the path appreciating the crafted nature and grand artworks scattered in the gardens.

We arrived at the Museo di Villa Borghese with time to spare. A limited number of visitors are allowed into the museum for two hours at a time: we entered at 9:00 AM. Nicole guided us through the Bernini’s famous trio of sculptures: David, Pluto and Persephone, and Apollo and Daphne. She described the original orientation from which a viewer would have approached the statues; we circumambulated them, watched the stories unfold, and were drawn into their movement. Next Lisa highlighted the famous Caravaggio paintings, and we were then let loose to wander the museum.

We headed through the gardens down to Piazza del Popolo. Joe gave an excellent on-site presentation explaining the Porta’s function as the main entrance to Rome and how the Piazza had changed forms over the years. Three main streets lead out from the piazza; a weary traveler would be amazed by the size of Rome and could pick which destination he/she desired.

We had a brief break before lunch. Gelato was a necessity for some sweltering in the heat. A few folks ran over to a Leonardo daVinci museum in which models of his plans had been constructed (and could be played with). We reconvened at Pizza Re for yet another feast with our classmates.

We parted at this point for the rest of the day. Patricia and I returned home to observe the traditional Italian riposa: a nap! Kayanna then joined us and we ventured to the Theater of Marcello. Outside the ampitheater was a classical concert of Brahams and Gershwin. It was a perfect end to the day: ancient architecture, classical piano music, and an audience appreciative of the beautiful Roman evening.

Highlights

The Borghese Gallery is perhaps my favorite museum experience in all Rome: it has remained a congregating spot for an international, educated crowd to meet in a relaxed atmosphere of masterful artwork to discuss aesthetics, Rome, and the meaning of life.

As always, a meal with the class is a highlight of the day. The pizza options were endless and when they arrived the communal exchange of bites made quite a feast. How I will miss Italian food!

Images

http://www2.oakland.edu/users/ngote/images-full/bernini-apollo.jpg

Bernini's Apollo and Daphne at the Borghese Museum.

Bernini's scultpures were the highlight of the museum for me. Each sculpture had movement, passion, and a story to tell.

Pizza

Okay, so maybe it doesn't look as appetizing in this photo, but trust me when I say that the Italian pizzas are the best in the world

Villa Borghese website.
http://www.villaborghese.it/en/villa/musei_Borghese.htm

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