Borghese Gallery

Rape of Proserpina

On our trip to Rome I was able to go to my favorite museum and to see work of my favorite artist Bernini. My recommendation would be to go to the Borghese Gallery on your first day in Rome.
The reason is the gallery features works from Bernini and after, when you are touring Rome, you will see many works by Bernini like fountains around the city and statues at the Vatican, to the alter in St Peters.

My favorite piece of work by Bernini is "The Rape of Proserpina". The work was completed in 1622 when Bernini was only 23 years old and depicts the abduction of Proserpina by the god Pluto who took her to the underworld. What I like about his work is that it shows motion, emotion and the very fine detail like the impression of his hand on her thigh. There are many pieces of his work there as well as works from other artists. Bernini was a favorite artist of his time and was a favorite of popes so you will see a lot of his work in Vatican city. Also, go to Piazza Navona and see his "Fountain of the Four Rivers". My advice would be to read about Bernini's work and see how many you can find in Rome.

The alter in St Peters

Depicting the escape from Troy

Bernini's David

The museum is in the Borghese villa located in a large park not far from the top of the Spanish Steps. The villa itself would be worth the price.

Tickets for the museum are limited to a two hour window and tickets sell out. If you are going, buy your tickets online before you go. They limit the number of guests during the two hour window and at the end of the window every one must leave for the next group. By doing that you don't have to fight crowds and you can walk right up to the sculptures.  I would put this as a must see when you are in Rome.