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Comprised of the grounds of a seventeenth century pleasure palace, the Villa Borghese Gardens is a large park in Rome with a widespread area that includes a lake, lots of manicured green grass and a number of museums and attractions. The second largest public park in Rome after Villa Doria Pamphili, the Borghese Gardens is the perfect spot to find peace and quiet in the middle of the busy city. The main entrance, off Piazzale Flaminio, is flanked by colossal roman columns. The road at this entrance stretches the entire length of the park from north to south. Perhaps the most popular of the nine different entrances to the park is the one located right by the Spanish Steps.

Highlights of the gardens include the museums which hold some of the best works in the world, a small temple in the center of the lake, numerous fountains and statues and the staggering botanical gardens on the slopes of Janiculum Hill with its palms, yuccas and an amazing collection of orchids. Our favorite thing to do is to simply take a stroll around and stop to rest on one of the many stone benches by the pond where you can watch the parade of swans, ducks and the occasional row boat. The small row boats are available to rent which is a great way to explore the hidden nooks and crannies around the lake as well as its center piece temple.

Within the grounds, you’ll also find refreshment stands, kiddie rides and a zoo as well as free wi-fi internet access at a number of spots around the park.

IMAGE VIA: David Paul Ohmer on flickr