Park Life: Rome: Villa Borghese

Rome, the “eternal city”, is world-famous for its countless churches, cathedrals and monuments -symbols of the city’s great history. In its centre: Villa Borghese, one of the largest and most beautiful city parks in Europe.

Once the park lay outside the city walls and surrounded the summer residence of Cardinal Scipione Cafarelli Borghese – one of the most influential art collectors of the Italian Baroque. In his villa, after which the park is named, he amassed works by Leonardo da Vinci, Titian and Caravaggio. The Italian state bought the property in 1901 and opened it to the public. Today, the tranquil open space on the Pincio Hill offers a welcome respite from Rome’s hectic city life.

In winter, a melancholic atmosphere prevails in Villa Borghese. We meet Daniele Lombardi on his way to work. He works as a porter at the five-star Hotel de Russie. Daniele’s job requires composure of mind and body. He sees himself as a performer in a great play that changes day by day. His stage is Rome’s finest hotel, which borders with Villa Borghese.

Part of the ’Park Life: Europe’s Great City Parks’ series.

Full Series