3. Across Town in Villa Borghese park

Now let’s transport ourselves to two major art galleries in the enormous Villa Borghese park on top of the Pincian Hill.

The first is the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (National Gallery of Modern Art).

Bill and I call it the Moderna. The curators mix their 19th & 20th century art to spectacular effect.

Stairs leads us back into the park.

It is lovely to stroll in this large green space.

Many surprises here. The Tempio di Esculapio (Temple of Aesculapius) has its own pond.

You must book ahead to visit the Galleria Borghese and it is worth the effort.

They have a Raphael over the fireplace.

You’ll also find a half dozen major Caravaggios.

They also have a half dozen of Bernini’s greatest sculptures including his “Rape of Persephone.”

In the Borghese, Don't forget to look up.

The south end of the park overlooks Piazza del Popolo.

Descend into the piazza via this long stone stairway.

The stairs will deposit you at the side of the church of Santa Maria del Popolo (Our Lady of the People).

You can find two of Caravaggio’s greatest paintings in the tiny Cerasi Chapel. The pink and blue painting on the back wall of the chapel is by Caravaggio’s rival Annibale Caracci.

To the left of the Caracci, Carravagio’s “Crucifixion of St. Peter,” to the right “Conversion of St. Paul.”

Keep an eye out for Bernini’s “Daniel in the Lion’s Den” (detail).