The Gardens of Palazzo Barberini: Visiting Guide, Hours and Curiosities

The gardens of Palazzo Barberini are a true green oasis in the heart of Rome. A perfect place for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, surrounded by Baroque fountains, ancient sculptures and rare plants.

If you’re planning a visit to Palazzo Barberini, don’t limit yourself to the National Gallery of Ancient Art: the gardens are definitely worth a stop! Here, among tree-lined avenues, hidden corners and striking views, you can discover a piece of history and be enchanted by the timeless beauty of this unique space.

In this guide you will find useful information, trivia, and practical tips for exploring the gardens to the fullest. You’ll learn about their fascinating history, the main artistic and botanical attractions, and everything you need to best plan your visit.

Ready to immerse yourself in the greenery of Palazzo Barberini? Let’s get started!

History of the gardens of Palazzo Barberini

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The gardens of Palazzo Barberini were created in the 17th century, at the height of the Baroque era, when the powerful Barberini family decided to transform their residence into one of the symbols of Rome.

It all began in 1625, when Cardinal Francesco Barberini, nephew of Pope Urban VIII, bought the land where the palace stands today. He entrusted the project to the architect Carlo Maderno, who conceived the gardens in the style of the time: a large Italian garden, with panoramic terraces, geometric hedges and water features.

Over the years, the green area was enriched by major interventions. Francesco Borromini, one of the most brilliant Baroque architects, enlarged the gardens between 1635 and 1646, adding scenic fountains and an artificial grotto decorated with shells and stones. The latter was the favorite refuge of Cardinal Barberini, who loved to spend moments of relaxation there.

But the gardens were not only beauty and contemplation. In the seventeenth century, exotic animals such as ostriches, camels and deer were raised among the flowerbeds and tree-lined avenues. A true spectacle for guests of the Barberini family!

Over time, the gardens underwent several changes. In the 18th century, following the romantic taste of the time, tall trees, statues and an Egyptian stele were introduced. In the 19th century, however, an iron and glass greenhouse was built, which can still be admired today.

Beginning in 1875, part of the gardens were unfortunately sacrificed to make way for new buildings along 20th September Street. In the 20th century, restoration work was undertaken, including the creation of an English garden designed by architect Raffaele De Vico.

Today, the gardens of Palazzo Barberini represent one of Rome‘s most evocative historic parks. Strolling through its fountains, statues and ancient trees, one can still breathe in the charm of Baroque grandeur.

Key features

The gardens of Palazzo Barberini are a true hidden gem in the heart of Rome. They extend for about 2 hectares, offering a perfect mix of art, nature and history. Every corner is full of details to discover, including Baroque fountains, ancient sculptures and centuries-old plants.

Italian garden

Originally, the gardens were designed according to the Italian garden style, with geometric avenues, perfectly pruned boxwood hedges, and a design intended to enhance symmetry. Over the centuries, however, more natural elements were added, inspired by nineteenth-century romantic gardens, with tall trees and wilder, shady corners.

One of the most fascinating spaces is the so-called secret garden, a more private and intimate area created to provide moments of tranquility away from prying eyes.

Fountains and sculptures

The gardens are home to some extraordinary works of art by the greatest artists of the Roman Baroque. Prominent among them are:

• The Fountain of the Triton, a masterpiece by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, whose scenic dynamism dominates the square in front of the palace
• The Fountain of Neptune, decorated with marine details that recall ancient myth
• The Fountain of the Bees, created by Francesco Baratta, with references to the symbolism of the Barberini family (if you’re curious about the family’s connection to bees, don’t miss thein-depth article we wrote about it!)

In addition to the fountains, the garden is populated by sculptures of great historical value, including the famous statue of the Borghese gladiator and the statue of Hercules and Antheus, sculpted by Antonio del Pollaiolo.

Centuries-old trees and rare plants

The vegetation of Palazzo Barberini’s gardens is equally fascinating. Here you will find centuries-old plants, such as ginkgo biloba, Soulangeana magnolia, and cedar of Lebanon, as well as exotic species from around the world. Walking through the avenues, it is impossible not to notice the majesty of the holm oaks, cypresses, and maritime pines, which create a unique atmosphere.

Among the botanical curiosities, the historic Santa Maria degli Angeli oak stands out, a centuries-old tree that has withstood the passage of time and continues to dominate the garden landscape.

Flora and fauna

The gardens of Palazzo Barberini are not only a place of beauty and art, but also a corner of nature in the heart of Rome. Centuries-old plants, exotic species and once even rare animals coexist here, making this space a true paradise for green lovers.

Centuries-old plants and botanical rarities

Walking through the gardens, you will find yourself immersed in an extraordinary botanical heritage. Among the most impressive trees are:

• The ginkgo biloba, one of the oldest species on the planet, with fan-shaped leaves that turn golden yellow in autumn.
• The cedar of Lebanon, with its majestic umbrella-like foliage.
• The Soulangeana magnolia, famous for its pink and white flowers that bloom in spring.
• The Santa Maria degli Angeli oak, one of the oldest trees in the garden, a silent witness to the history of the palace.

In addition to the trees, the garden is home to perfectly manicured boxwood hedges, aromatic plants and exotic flower essences imported over the centuries by the palace’s various owners.

Exotic animals

In the 17th century, the gardens of Palazzo Barberini were more than just a green space: they were a veritable private zoo. Cardinal Francesco Barberini, a natural science enthusiast, wanted to populate the garden with exotic animals, which were an absolute rarity in Europe at the time.

Here you could find ostriches, camels, deer and even rare birds, brought by merchants and ambassadors as gifts to the Barberini family. This made the garden not only a place of recreation, but also a spectacular attraction for the family’s guests.

Today the only “inhabitants” of the garden are the birds that nest in the trees and a few squirrels that roam the tree-lined paths undisturbed.

Works of art and architecture

The gardens of Palazzo Barberini are not only a green corner in the heart of Rome, but a true open-air museum. Here, among monumental fountains, ancient statues and fascinating architectural structures, art and nature come together in perfect harmony.

Baroque fountains

Fountains are among the most scenic elements of gardens. Made by the greatest artists of the Roman Baroque, they were a symbol of the prestige of the Barberini family. The most famous are:

Triton Fountain (Bernini)

Among the wonders of Palazzo Barberini’s gardens, the Triton Fountain, one of the most famous in Rome, undoubtedly stands out. Located in the center of Piazza Barberini, this extraordinary work was created between 1642 and 1643 by the master of the Baroque, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, commissioned by Pope Urban VIII Barberini.

The fountain depicts a Triton, a marine deity from Greek mythology, in the act of blowing into a large shell, from which a jet of water gushes out and rises skyward. The mighty sea god is kneeling on an open shell, supported by four dolphins whose tails are elegantly intertwined.

If you look closely at the sculpture, you can see some symbolic details related to the Barberini family. On the tails of the dolphins are carved the papal coats of arms and the famous bees, the emblem of the lineage. This is no accident: the fountain, besides being an artistic marvel, was also a tribute to the power and greatness of the Barberini family.

In addition to its spectacularity, the Triton Fountain had a very practical function. In the seventeenth century, monumental fountains were not only works of art, but real water supply points for the population. The fountain was fed by theAcqua Felice, one of Rome’s aqueducts, thus contributing to the urban renewal of the city.

Neptune Fountain

Within the gardens of Palazzo Barberini, among tree-lined avenues and ancient sculptures, is the Neptune Fountain, a work of art that combines the majesty of mythology with the beauty of Roman Baroque

The Neptune Fountain is an emblematic example of Roman Baroque art. Made in the 17th century, it depicts the god of the sea, Neptune, surrounded by sea creatures. The central figure of Neptune, sculpted with great skill, emerges mightily from the water, giving the entire composition a sense of movement and vitality

In addition to its aesthetic value, the fountain also had a practical function, supplying water to gardens and contributing to their beautification. The god Neptune symbolizes dominion over water, a theme dear to the Barberini family, who commissioned the work to celebrate their power and prestige

Today, the Neptune Fountain is a peaceful corner within the gardens of Palazzo Barberini, where visitors can admire art and nature in perfect harmony. The coolness of the water, the soothing sound of the fountain’s gush, and the shade of the surrounding trees make this an ideal place to take a break while visiting the palace

The fountain was recently restored, bringing back original details and colors that time had obscured. Today, it shines as it did in the 17th century, testifying to the grandeur of Roman Baroque art

Fountain of the Bees

Among Gian Lorenzo Bernini‘s lesser-known but no less fascinating works is the Fountain of the Bees. Located between Piazza Barberini and the beginning of Via Veneto, this fountain is a true tribute to the Barberini family, whose heraldic coat of arms is represented precisely by bees.

Built in 1644 on commission from Pope Urban VIII Barberini, the fountain had a practical function: to provide water for citizens and animals. Designed as a complement to the more impressive Triton Fountain, it was intended for everyday use, allowing people to refuel and animals to drink.

As in many of his works, Bernini transformed a functional element into a masterpiece of elegance and harmony.

The Fountain of the Bees is in the shape of a large open shell, from which three sculpted bees emerge, letting a gentle stream of water gush forth. The bees, a symbol of the Barberini family, represent industriousness, prosperity and power.

The fountain is engraved with a Latin inscription that reads:

“Urbanus VIII Pont. Max., having built a fountain for the public ornament of the city, also made this small fountain for the service of private individuals. In the year 1644, XXI of his pontificate.”

This dedication emphasizes not only the magnificence of the Barberini family, but also the pope’s concern for urban decorum and the daily needs of the Roman population.

In 1880, the fountain was disassembled because it was considered to be in the way of traffic, and its parts were kept in storage. When it was decided to rebuild it in 1915, many of its original components had been lost.

The current version of the fountain, a travertine copy, was inaugurated in 1916 in the location where it stands today. Despite its travails, the Fountain of the Bees remains one of the little jewels of Roman Baroque, a discreet corner of beauty that tells of the greatness of an era.

If you stroll down Via Veneto, take a moment to admire it: a small but precious fragment of 17th-century Rome that continues to tell the story of its city.

Statues and sculptures

Numerous classical and Baroque statues can be found in the avenues of the gardens, some original to the period, others added in later centuries. Among the most important:

The Borghese Gladiator

In the gardens of Palazzo Barberini, among the many works of art that adorn the landscape, a sculpture of extraordinary beauty and historical importance stands out: a copy of the Borghese Gladiator. This statue, although a reproduction, represents an emblematic example of Hellenistic sculpture and offers visitors a unique opportunity to admire the artistry of ancient sculptors.

The Borghese Gladiator is a life-size marble sculpture made around 100 B.C. in Ephesus. The statue is signed by Agasias, son of Dositeo, an artist about whom little information is known but whose work testifies to exceptional mastery. The sculpture was found in 1611 in Neptune, near the ruins of a seaside villa attributed to Emperor Nero. It later became part of the prestigious Borghese collection in Rome. In 1807, the statue was sold to Napoleon Bonaparte and transferred to the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it is currently on display.

The statue depicts a warrior in a dynamic stance, with his body stretched forward and his right arm raised, as if he is about to strike a blow or defend himself from an attack. The detailed anatomy and muscular tension express an impressive realism characteristic of Hellenistic art. Despite its name, the sculpture does not depict a gladiator, but probably a warrior in combat against a mounted opponent. Some scholars have speculated that it may be Achilles fighting the amazon Penthesilea, although there is no unanimous consensus on this interpretation.

In the 18th century, the Borghese Gladiator became one of the most admired and replicated ancient sculptures. Artists and sculptors used the statue as a model to study the ideal proportions of the human body. Numerous bronze and marble copies were made, some of which still adorn gardens and historic residences throughout Europe. For example, a bronze copy was commissioned for Charles I of England and is currently at Windsor Castle. Another copy, made by Hubert Le Sueur, was placed in the gardens of Wilton House and later moved to Houghton Hall in Norfolk.

The presence of a copy of the Borghese Gladiator in the gardens of Palazzo Barberini further enriches visitors’ experience, offering an opportunity to engage with one of the most emblematic works of ancient art. The statue fits harmoniously into the context of the garden, inviting contemplation and reflection on the mastery of Hellenistic sculptors and the lasting influence of their works on Western art

Hercules and Antheus

In the gardens of Palazzo Barberini, among the many works of art that enrich the landscape, the sculpture of Hercules and Antheus, attributed to Antonio del Pollaiolo, stands out. This depiction of the classical myth is a significant example of Italian Renaissance art

In Greek mythology, Hercules (Heracles) confronts the giant Antheus, son of Gaea (the Earth), who drew his invincible strength from contact with his mother’s soil. To defeat him, Hercules lifts him off the ground, depriving him of his strength, and strangles him in a deadly embrace. This myth symbolizes the victory of ingenuity over brute force and the importance of strategy in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles

Antonio del Pollaiolo (1431-1498) was a Renaissance artist known for his skill in depicting human movement and anatomy. His bronze sculpture of Hercules and Antheus, made around 1475, is preserved in the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence. The work captures the climactic moment of the fight, with Hercules lifting Antheus off the ground, highlighting the muscular tension and dynamics of the action.

In the gardens of Palazzo Barberini, a copy of this famous sculpture enriches the outdoor exhibition. The choice to include Hercules and Antaeus in the context of the garden is not accidental: the depiction of the struggle between the two mythological characters fits into the Renaissance and Baroque tradition of celebrating heroic virtues and moral strength through art

The presence of the sculpture of Hercules and Antheus in the gardens of Palazzo Barberini offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on the triumph of intelligence and strategy over brute force. Moreover, the work represents a link between nature and culture, integrating harmoniously into the landscape and inviting both aesthetic and intellectual contemplation

Antonio del Pollaiolo’s original sculpture of Hercules and Antheus is considered one of the first Renaissance representations to realistically capture human anatomy in motion, profoundly influencing subsequent sculptural art

The cork house and the 19th-century greenhouse

In addition to the sculptures, the gardens are home to buildings of unique charm. One of the most curious is the Cork Lodge, built in the 18th century and featuring a picturesque and romantic design typical of the period.

In the 19th century, an iron and glass greenhouse was added, perfect for growing tropical and rare plants. Even today, this building is one of the most fascinating structures in the gardens.

Suggested itinerary

The gardens of Palazzo Barberini offer an evocative route between art, nature and history. To appreciate them at their best, it is advisable to follow an itinerary that touches the most significant points, from Baroque fountains to classical sculptures, passing through more intimate and hidden corners.

The entrance to the gardens and the first impression

Access to the gardens is from inside Palazzo Barberini, located on Via delle Quattro Fontane. After visiting the rooms of the National Gallery of Ancient Art, one can step out into the greenery and immediately immerse oneself in a completely different atmosphere. The noise of traffic disappears and gives way to quiet, tree-lined avenues, manicured hedges and scenic vistas that create a fascinating contrast with the surrounding architecture.

The lower garden

Continuing to the lower garden, one enters one of the most characteristic areas of the complex. Here the landscape is organized according to the Italian garden style, with wide grassy expanses, geometric flowerbeds, and monumental fountains.

The first stop is the Triton Fountain, a masterpiece by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This impressive sculpture is located just outside the palace and depicts the sea god blowing into a large shell, causing a high jet of water to gush forth. It is one of the most spectacular examples of Baroque sculpture and well worth a stop to admire its details.

Continuing along the path, you reach the Neptune Fountain, also inspired by classical mythology. Neptune stands in the center of the pool, surrounded by masterfully sculpted sea creatures. The water flowing around the figure of the god creates a striking scenic effect, making this fountain one of the most fascinating in the garden.

A little further on is the Fountain of the Bees, one of the most symbolic works, also created by Bernini. The bees, engraved on the stone, represent the Barberini family and their power. Although smaller than the other fountains, it retains a strong historical and decorative value.

The upper garden

From the lower garden one can ascend to the upper garden, where the landscape becomes more varied and less strict in form. Here you will find century-old plants, shady nooks, and numerous antique sculptures, which create a more intimate and relaxing atmosphere.

One of the most interesting spots is the statue of the Borghese Gladiator, a copy of a famous Hellenistic original now in the Louvre Museum. The sculpture depicts a warrior in full action, with incredible attention to anatomical detail.

A little further on is the sculptural group of Hercules and Antheus, inspired by the Greek myth in which Hercules lifts Antheus off the ground to deprive him of his strength and defeat him. The energy of the movement and the tension of the bodies make this work particularly expressive.

At one time, this area was also home to theBarberini Obelisk, an ancient Egyptian stele that decorated the garden before being moved to the Pincio Gardens, where it can still be admired today.

The Secret Garden

The last stop on the itinerary is the secret garden, a more intimate and secluded area designed to provide a secluded and quiet atmosphere. Here the greenery becomes denser and the paths less defined, creating an ideal environment for a relaxing break away from the rest of the route.

How much time to devote to the visit

The entire itinerary can be completed in about an hour and a half to two hours, but for those who wish to linger and enjoy the tranquility of the gardens, more time is recommended. The alternation of open spaces, monumental fountains and more secluded corners makes the visit a varied experience, perfect for those who like to stroll between art and nature.

To visit the gardens of Palazzo Barberini, you must purchase an entrance ticket. For all information on hours and fees, you can visit the dedicated page: find out the details here.

Conclusion

The gardens of Palazzo Barberini are a unique place in the heart of Rome, where art, nature and history intertwine in a perfect balance. To walk among Baroque fountains, ancient sculptures and centuries-old plants is to immerse oneself in centuries of beauty, in an environment that still retains all the charm of the era in which it was created.

This visit is an opportunity to discover a lesser-known side of Palazzo Barberini, as well as the famous National Gallery of Ancient Art. The gardens offer a relaxing and cultural experience at the same time, perfect for those who want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city without straying far from the center.

To plan your visit, it is helpful to keep some practical information in mind:

• Opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last entry at 6 p.m.).
• Tickets: access to the gardens is included in the Palazzo Barberini and Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica tickets. Remember that every first Sunday of the month admission is free. You can find more details on the tickets page here.
• How to get there: the palace is located at Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13, easily reached by Metro A, Barberini stop, several bus lines, or on foot from Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. If you have other doubts, we have written a dedicated article on the subject here.

Finally, remember that art belongs to everyone: respect plants and artworks by avoiding walking on flower beds or touching sculptures. This way you will be able to ensure the longevity of the garden’s artistic and natural heritage.