Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
When you walk through the streets of Rome, it’s impossible not to encounter the lasting influence of the Borghese family. This aristocratic family, known for its powerful papal connections, immense wealth, and passion for art, has left a mark on the city’s architecture, culture, and history. For those staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, exploring the legacy of the Borghese offers a fascinating journey through time—from the height of the Renaissance to modern Rome.
The Rise of the Borghese Family
The Borghese family originated from Siena, but it was their move to Rome in the late 16th century that marked the beginning of their extraordinary rise to power. The family’s fortunes soared when Camillo Borghese was elected Pope Paul V in 1605. His papacy ushered in an era of immense wealth and influence for the Borghese, cementing their place among the most powerful families in Rome.
Pope Paul V used his influence to expand the family’s wealth and properties, securing key positions for his relatives within the Church and Roman aristocracy. Under his leadership, the Borghese became patrons of the arts, commissioning magnificent works that still dazzle visitors today.
Borghese Art and Architecture
One of the most iconic contributions of the Borghese family to Rome is the Villa Borghese and the Borghese Gallery. Commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the nephew of Pope Paul V, the villa was built as a showcase for the family’s extensive art collection. Cardinal Scipione was an avid art collector and a patron of some of the most famous artists of the time, including Bernini and Caravaggio.
The Borghese Gallery, located within the villa, houses masterpieces such as:
- Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne and David sculptures
- Caravaggio’s Boy with a Basket of Fruit
- Titian’s Sacred and Profane Love
Visitors to Rome can explore the Borghese Gallery, just a short ride from QuodLibet, and marvel at one of the finest art collections in the world. The villa’s sprawling gardens, now part of the Villa Borghese park, offer a serene escape from the bustling city, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
The Borghese in Modern Times
The influence of the Borghese family extends beyond the Renaissance. Today, the Borghese name remains prominent in Italy. Members of the family have been involved in politics, the military, and even film. Prince Scipione Borghese, a notable descendant, gained fame for winning the 1907 Peking to Paris motor race, demonstrating the family’s adaptability to modern trends and pursuits.
Borghese and the Papacy
Perhaps the most famous Borghese in history is Pope Paul V, who played a key role in expanding the family’s wealth and influence. His papacy is marked by significant contributions to Roman infrastructure, including the restoration of the Aqua Traiana, a crucial aqueduct that brought water to the city, and the completion of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Another Borghese pope, Cardinal Marcantonio Borghese, played an influential role within the Vatican after the papacy of Paul V. The family’s close ties to the papacy allowed them to maintain influence in both religious and political spheres for centuries.
Curiosities and Anecdotes
- Theft and Recovery: In the early 19th century, Napoleon Bonaparte’s sister, Pauline Bonaparte, married into the Borghese family. Many of the family’s art pieces were looted by Napoleon’s forces during his reign, but several were later returned after his fall.
- Pauline’s Sculpture: One of the most famous sculptures of Pauline Bonaparte, depicting her as Venus Victrix, was crafted by Antonio Canova and is on display at the Borghese Gallery.
- Borghese Gardens: The Villa Borghese gardens are not only a favorite spot for tourists but also for Romans, offering everything from museums to tranquil lakes and expansive green spaces.
Traces of the Borghese Family in Modern Rome
The Borghese legacy is still evident throughout Rome. From the Borghese Palace in Via Veneto to the grand Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (restored under Pope Paul V), their presence is woven into the very fabric of the city. Piazza Borghese, near Campo de’ Fiori, is another reminder of the family’s vast holdings and influence.
For guests staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, visiting these landmarks offers an opportunity to step into the world of the Borghese family and experience their lasting impact on Roman history, art, and architecture.
