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The Galleria Borghese
Scipione Caffarelli Borghese was peculiarly a collector of antique sculpture, but was also driven enough to patronise modern artists and commissioned work from, amongst others, Caravaggio, Bernini, Domenichino and Rubens.
It was to contain the works of these artists, alongside his existing collections, and to possess a venue for his summer parties and musical evenings, that work started in the early 1600's on the casino or summer-house that is today the Galleria Borghese. Not surprisingly, no corners were cut in the construction, and the palace is a celebration of the splendours of the ancient Roman Empire.
The building has been transformed and extended down the years, and was eventually vended to the Italian government in 1902, along with the entire Borghese estate and surrounding gardens and parkland.
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 Best of Rome
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