I didn't know that this museum is so popular and that you must purchase your tickets in advance…read more Luckily, I was able to purchase tickets before our trip to Rome, but they had only a limited number of tickets available for the time that we were going to be there. So if you are planning on going to Galleria Borghese, make sure to purchase your tickets in advance. We visited the Borghese in the afternoon during the week, and I think that was a great idea because it was pretty empty, and we had yet another chance to see everything with almost no one around. I'm not sure if it's always like that or if we got lucky. Either way, I was able to take my time to look at all the beautiful art pieces. Everything was so beautiful. I recommend going to this museum if you have the time; it's definitely worth it.

The Galleria Borghese or Borghese Gallery is an art gallery in Rome, Italy, housed in the former…read moreVilla Borghese Pinciana. At the outset, the gallery building was integrated with its gardens, but nowadays the Villa Borghese gardens are considered a separate tourist attraction. Such beautiful art and sculptures. What a breathtaking selection. Another must see while visiting Rome. TIP- Need to buy tickets for the gallery in advance, or by a 3rd party company. They sell out fast.

Absolutely phenomenal museum…read more One not to be missed. And with 5% of the tourists of Rome's other museums, and no wait to get in line. There is no downside. * * * GNAM is the nineteenth and twentieth century art museum of Rome. If you want stuff that was painted yesterday, there are galleries of 21st century art around town. Enjoy at your peril. Everything in GNAM that was painted or sculpted before 1960 is an absolute masterpiece. And there is a lot of lively stuff in the newer material too. It is easy to forget in a city with all of the Roman antiquities, all of the medieval treasures and Rome's fantastic legacy of Renaissance and Baroque art, That Italy was just as talented in the 19th and 20th centuries as it was in the previous periods. Our "standard" art histories moves European Art history of the 1800s and 1900s to France. Italy could go toe to toe with France on every artistic movement that occurred after Napoleon and this includes Romanticism, Impressionism and Modernism. There are paintings in GNAM that fully anticipate every formal innovation of impressionism. They were painted in the 1860s and 1870's. Monet and Renoir would be "inventing" impressionism thirty years later. The nineteenth century working class realism paintings of Courbet are blown away with the soulful depictions of working class life that were painted in Italy ... and yes twenty years before Courbet. There are night landscape paintings here that are darker and more intense than anything you could see in the Louvre. There is portraiture to die for - including my favorite "beautiful woman" painting of all time. * * * GNAM is huge, and excellent throughout. But there is one utterly amazing room that can fill your whole stay. If you go straight from the front door through a "seating gallery", you walk into an enormous room that is literally the size of a football field. The ceilings are sixty feet high. This is the primary room of the nineteenth century Romantic Era collection. Every single square millimeter of wall space is hung with paintings. You are looking at five or six paintings one on top of each other going up the wall all the way up sixty feet high and this being repeated every three yards for the entire room, all four walls. There are easily over 200 large paintings in this room - maybe closer to 300. There is not a loser or a boring painting anywhere in the room. And - to give a sense of the remarkable level of activity that Italy enjoyed in the Romantic Era, no artist is represented by more than two paintings. Most artists only have one selection. Thus you are looking at a room that is displaying between 100 and 150 different nineteenth century Italian artists - with each selection being one of the best paintings that artist ever created. The spectacle is mind-boggling. Close examination makes each painting better and better and better. There are all sorts of compositional subtleties, painterly tricks and psychological/philosophical subtexts in the works that only become apparent in a long viewing. Well over 80% of my visit to GNAM was spent in that one room. And even at that - I only saw about 1/5 of the paintings that are there. * * * This is a museum that will change your opinion about much of what you understand about art. Plan to come here. Plan to spend a lot of time here. This is one of the great collections of the world.

In a city full of Renaissance art, it was awesome to have a break of that to be able to enjoy some…read moremodern art and contemporary art. The National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary has all that and more. It's a large museum and there is enough here for a half day of appreciation. I'm generally not a huge fan of "contemporary" art as it is usually political and many times, the message from the artist goes over my head. That was the case for a couple of the exhibits here. And then I found the "modern" art. Paintings by Gustave Courbet, Cy Twombly, and my very favorite, Piet Mondrian. Portraits by Giovanni Boldini. Sculpture by Ercole Dante. I got well and truly lost in the museum and before I knew it, it was time to go. Wonderful time. [Review 19190 overall - 345 in Italy - 160 of 2023.]

Galleria Doria Pamphilj is one of Rome's most breathtaking hidden treasures--an aristocratic…read moresanctuary of art, history, and elegance tucked just steps away from the bustling Via del Corso. Visiting this gallery feels like stepping into a private world where centuries of beauty have been lovingly preserved. The moment you enter, the atmosphere shifts. The palace itself is a masterpiece--ornate ceilings, shimmering gold accents, and hallways lined with mirrors and marble. Each room carries the quiet grandeur of a family that collected art not for prestige, but out of genuine passion. That intimacy sets it apart from Rome's larger, more crowded museums. The collection is extraordinary. You'll find remarkable works by Caravaggio, Velázquez, Bernini, Raphael, and Titian, each displayed in lavish, beautifully lit rooms that feel more like a lived-in palace than a museum. Caravaggio's "Rest on the Flight into Egypt" and the haunting "Magdalene" are highlights, while Velázquez's portrait of Pope Innocent X is nothing short of astonishing--an encounter that lingers long after you leave. What makes the experience truly special is the ability to wander the gallery at your own pace, taking in masterpieces without the rush or crowds. The audio guide, narrated by a member of the Pamphilj family, adds a personal touch and deepens your appreciation for the collection and its history. Whether you're an art lover or simply someone seeking a quiet, immersive cultural experience, Galleria Doria Pamphilj is a must-visit. It's a rare blend of elegance, intimacy, and artistic brilliance--a place where Rome's noble past comes alive in the most captivating way.

What an awesome view into the extravagant wealth of these families. We enjoyed exploring the palace!read more

This is one of the Major Papal Basilicas in Rome, located a bit farther from the city center…read more English name is The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. Accessible via train and Taxi or bus. The train is located about a few minutes walk behind the church. We were able to visit this Basilica 3x. For the Jubilee Year 2025, 2x. This Basilica is very huge and has paintings of all the Popes and the apostles. A must see Basilica! It also houses St. Paul the apostle's tomb where his remains lie. It also has the Holy Chains - in a reliquary, which bound St. Paul. On our 2nd visit to Rome, it was still covid time and this I consider by far probably the less crowded of the Basilicas. They have a museum which you give a donation of 1euro to explore. I also find their gift shop the biggest and have the most choices of religious souvenirs. Their cafe is also loaded with gelato and variety of snack items. Definitely a must see when in Rome. January 2026

The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Italian: Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura) is…read moredefinitely a must-see if ever in Rome because this basilica is special for so many reasons! My hubby and I visited during our 1st trip to Rome (on September 30, 2023) while celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary (yep, love was in the air! ;) I came across this basilica when researching attractions located near/around the Airbnb that we were staying at in the Ostiense neighborhood and after reading about it, I just had to add it to our Rome itinerary. See the many pics and videos included w/ this review from our visit on 09/30/2023 -- just know that despite my best efforts, they don't fully capture just how beautiful and impressive this basilica is in person. And these pics & videos definitely couldn't capture what I felt when I 1st walked inside and saw the beautiful, gold ceiling that looked like it was glowing! (Brief History) This basilica was built above the tomb of St. Paul in Rome and is one of the 4 major basilicas of Rome. It was consecrated AD 4th century. It's also the 2nd largest church in the Italian capital after St. Peter's. Located inside is the sarcophagus of St. Paul. (Special-ness Specs) -- Gallery of The Popes -- (see the pics & videos included w/ this review) Inside the basilica there are 5 rooms w/ the central one having 80 granite and marble columns and there you will see the portraits of every past pope since St. Peter -- 266 total (awesome display) -- Doors at St. Peter's -- (see pics & videos) 1. The Holy Door - one of the four holy doors is located here, holy doors are only opened every 25 yrs during Jubilee (2025 is the next Jubilee in Rome) 2. The Byzantine Door--the door dates back to the 11th century has 54 panels 3. Outdoor courtyard w/ the beautiful St. Paul monument (Additional helpful info) -- Free to visit but bring some cash so you can leave an offering -- There is a dress code - no knees, stomach, or shoulders can be shown. During our visit there were plastic, disposable shawls at the front door once you entered into the basilica that visitors were asked to use if they were wearing shorts that had their knees showing or if they had on a sleeveless top on. -- not as crowded/busy as St. Peter's basilica so you're able to take your time during your visit Rome has so many beautiful and historic basilica's and during our time in Rome, we did get to experience so many of them and yes, while each of them were special in their own way, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside The Walls was my favorite and I'm so very grateful that I was able to experience such historic beauty. Till next time, Rebecca visiting from Austin, Texas (United States) on 09/30/2023

One of the great museums of the world. The only museum of Roman culture that even comes close is…read morethe Pompeii-archeological museum in Naples. This place is not to be missed, along with the Villa Borghese and pamphilij palace, for single places in Rome.

There are a million things to do when you are in Rome & going to a museum is probably the last…read morething on your list given all the alternative awesome sightseeing options! Hubby & I always try to do three things in a new city: museum, sports event & something on the water. We figured that visiting the Colosseum was a good enough version of a sports event. We were returning from a 12-day cruise. So, next up on the list was checking out a museum. Thankfully, we were at a hotel that was around the corner from the Museo Nazionale Romano. It is a series of buildings around the Piazza della Repubblica. And as it turns out, on the first Sunday of the month, the Museo is free to the public (note: you must "purchase" tickets online in advance for a specific time to enter). This Museo feels like stepping straight into the heart of ancient Rome. The collection is extraordinary - from the iconic Discus Thrower to hauntingly lifelike statues that practically make eye contact with you. The level of detail is unreal & half the time it feels like the sculptures are standing at your height just waiting to start a conversation! The galleries are spacious, beautifully laid out & surprisingly calm compared to the big-name tourist spots. It's the perfect place to take your time, wander & really soak in the artistry. Frescoes, mosaics, portraits - every floor has something jaw-dropping (including -1 and -2!). What truly blew my mind were the tile mosaics displayed & then shown in their original settings. Seeing them arranged exactly as they would have appeared in ancient villas gives you this incredible, immersive peek into everyday Roman life. It's like stepping right into history rather than just looking at it behind glass. If you're in Rome & want an unforgettable museum experience without the crowds, do not skip this one. Palazzo Massimo is a treasure chest of ancient beauty! Highly recommend.

Museo di Roma is a wonderful museum to end your visit in Rome. I wouldn't recommend this museum for…read morepeople who are going to be staying in Rome for a short period of time (1-3 days) but more to the folks who have been in Roma before and are looking to do a recap of the history of this beautiful city. My husband and I have been in Roma four times during the last few years and were looking to do something new because the bigger attractions haven't really changed in the last few years. We were staying a block away from Museo di Roma and decided to give it a chance. The Museum goes through the history of this beautiful city, from the architecture to war. History has shaped this city and is really amazing to see how much it has changed and which places are still up and are part of the modern day Roma. This museum has some really amazing views of Campo de'Fiori which are perfect photo opportunities. They offer discounts to EU students and people who are 25 years or younger. You are not allowed to walk through the museum with a backpack but they offer free locker rooms to leave your stuff while walking through this beautiful museum.

Wonderful museum. We skipped the exhibition- the regular collection was enough for us, but the…read morespecial exhibition of opera and art looked fascinating. The museum has a lift for the handicapped (and if you have proof of disability, you can get in free with one other person! Isn't that nice?) The price- 9 euros I think- was well worth it. There were many different kinds of art here- and the palace itself is a work of art. The paintings on the ceilings are lovely- and the way the collections were arranged was great. There's even a movie giving you history of the building. My favorite room was the one of the artists and their families- paintings, representing artists and their families- and I also loved the rooms of sculpture- one with a wonderful winged nymph, and another room with many sculpted heads. But all the rooms were great- and there was almost no one here. Why? It's a gorgeous collection. Go here. Enjoy. And let me just add, they have a handicapped bathroom, if you have any mobility impairment (lovely bathroom, let me add). Just a final note- from the upper floor you get a knock out view of the Plaza Navona- it's a wonderful place to take a picture. I LOVED my picture from the upper window!

Fantastic bucket list location..when in rome.. Must…read moresee...note crowd is massive Must see

To visit the Capella Sistina, or Sistine Chapel, you would have to go to the Vatican Museum. My…read moreboyfriend and I purchased time entry tickets to the Vatican Museum at one of the earliest time slots in the day, and still the museum was unbearably crowded. Th Sistine Chapel is a central place of worship for the Roman Catholic Church. Is it the site where new popes are elected, making it a key location for the continuity of Catholicism. From an artistic point of view, this chapel is also famous for the ceiling painted by Michelangelo. This is one of the greatest piece of artworks in the world capturing the height of Renaissance art. This piece of art shows complex compositions, dramatic expressions, and the intricacies of the human anatomy. On the walls of the Sistine Chapel, you can see the works of Botticelli, Perugino, and Ghirlandaio. With its' religious and artistic significance, the museum saves it for last on their museum route, and you have to go through everything else to get to this insanely crowded room of tour groups and staff supervision. This was the room with the most museum staff supervision telling people to move along, or pull to the center of the room. It's really mixed feelings because it's stunning but while you're trying to look up and take in the sights, a bunch of people are bumping into you and being extremely inconsiderate. I don't feel like I fully absorbed its' elegance profound deep features. My rating is rounded up in respect for the artistic significance but the experience wasn't too enjoyable. I don't think taking a tour would help either because those folks are stuck with their groups, and stuck in the same crowded room. I prefer the freedom of moving on when I'm over it.

Beautiful spot in Rome city centre...we passed it on the way to our restaurant for dinner on my…read morework trip

The Capitoline Museum exhibits medieval art to ancient statues, and you can discover ancient Rome…read morehistory here. There are quite a few statues shouldn't be missed, such as Statue of Capitoline Venus, Bust of Medusa, Colossus of Constantine, The Capitoline She-wolf etc. The regular admission ticket cost €13, and I think it's totally worth it.

Amazing world renown museum with beautiful and historical works of art, sculptures, paintings,…read moreartifacts and on and on with the Sisteen Chapel being the crown jewel of what this museum holds. Beauty aside, the history and the story behind these works of art is amazing and very educational where my favorite was the Egyptian wing with its well preserved mummies and artifacts. Relative to entrance, tickets should be purchased on line with a pre determined entry time versus standing in the long slow lines when buying on site. Also, be prepared for huge crowds during peak summer months where the large slow moving guided tourist groups making walking through the museum difficult to say the least as they block and slow the movement traveling through the museum. Be warned, your patience will be tried during this time. Crowds aside, seeing this museum is a must visit while in Rome especially if it is your first time to this wonderful city.

Buy the tickets online (or regret standing hours in the queue to buy tickets and the second queue…read moreto enter). There is a door at the far back right corner (facing back of the chapel) that leads directly to St Peter's Basilica, which skips the security lines. It is only for tours but extremely worth attempting to blend in with a tour group to save the 20 minute walk to the basilica and the consequent security lines. You can reenter the museum after visiting the Sistine Chapel.

We were delighted to find out that by purchasing one ticket we gained entrance into four of the…read moreNational Museums of Rome. The museums are Crypta Balbi, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Baths of Diocletian and Palazzo Altemps. This museum is probably not known to most visitors, but should be. The Crypta Balbi museum takes you on a historical trip through Rome's past by showcasing the excavations that were found here. It is located just around the corner from the Piazza Venezia, and there are three floors that can be explored. Starting in the basement is the best part - it has the archaeological remains of the Theatre of Balbus, which can be explored while walking down the damp and dark passageways. The other floors will give you a clear picture of how the Romans lived between the 5th and 10th century. We were especially taken with all the pottery. This is a museum that the kids will like.

Highly recommended! The museum offers a very good overview of the urban evolution of the area over…read more2000 years. If you have children: take them with you. The drawings make it really easy to comprehend. The museum is very well integrated in the architecture of the building that respects the archeological charachter of the site.