You have to go downstairs through the center door and there was an absolutely chaotic line. We then had to go to check our bags at the desk on the other side of the room. After that, you have to exit and then go upstairs to the museum entrance.

We have a 2 hour allotment. It was 2 stores filled with fabulous sculpture and paintings. This is where Pluto & Prosperina, Apollo & Daphne and the Venus statue (with Paolina Borghese) are. Bernini's works are visually stunning and can see the emotions and muscles of the pieces.

They also have somewhat of a secret and very clean bathroom in between the first and second floors. We stroll through both floors, sit on the wide salon couches in the upstairs rooms and soak in all the paintings around us. We also head down to the gift shop, buy some postcards as photos are not allowed. The employees are fine but not friendly. We only used up an hour and a half of our 2 hour allotment.

After, we stroll through the gardens and walk through Villa Borghese (the bigger park outside of the Galleria) to Via Veneto. The Galleria is located is a very vast park, so be sure to give yourself enough time to get there.

We visited here on our first day in Rome. It was a bit of a walk to it from the Metro but we finally found it. Had to wait over an hour to get in as I had not realised there was a time difference between our last country and Rome. Yes I know. Stupid of me.

But the wait was worth it. I had booked our time slot over the internet and when we paid for our tickets there I brought the Roma Pass.

Our first view walking through the curtains was the roof. Oh so amazing. Then on to all the rest of the Gallery. Fantastic.

Recommend a visit. The long walk around the lovely grounds was very nice as well. Funny thing is that there is only a little sign actually telling you where the Gallery is.

But we found it and glad we did.

Jacquie

Based on TripAdvisor reviews, my husband and I booked a guided tour in advance of our trip to Rome, and were so glad that we did. Yes, it's somewhat of a hassle booking ahead, arriving in plenty of time, checking your bags, 2 hour time limit, etc. -- but we still felt it was well worth all the hassle. We're not aficionados of sculpture and weren't familiar with Bernini, but we thought his work was breathtaking and we could've stayed there all day admiring it. (Not that it's a contest, but we preferred Bernini's David to Michaelangelo's.) Plus the Titian and Carravagio paintings were also amazing. Our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting and the 1 1/2 hour tour just flew buy. This truly is a gem and if we ever return to Rome, we'll definitely make a return visit. Not to be missed!

Having read the revving reviews on Trip Advisor, our group of five decided to go check out the Galleria on our last day in Rome. As the rest have said it so well, Galleria Borghese is an absolute gem, and I would agree with the rest that it is a must-go in Rome! Bernini is truly a master - the sculptures are amazing. You can even see emotion on the faces, accurate anatomy of muscular tension, flowing strokes on dress, all on stone marble.

I shall not belabour the necessity of making a reservation before going. I saw people being turned away while I was waiting in line to collect tickets. And check out the map of Villa Borghese before going. The distance is much much more than it seems. The compound is HUGE. I recommend taking buses there. There is a bus stop just outside the nearest gate to the Galleria and there is at least 1 bus that goes there from Termini.