Palazzo Borghese - Palace in Rome, the seat of the Borghese family. Known by the nickname Il Cembalo ("harpsichord") because of its trapezoidal shape. The narrow façade faces the Tiber. The main entrance to the building is located on the opposite side - "keys of the harpsichord." After both inputs you can get into a large courtyard, one side of which is a two-level gallery with Doric and Ionic columns.

It is believed that the construction of the Palazzo began in the mid-16th century to Monsignor Tommaso del Giglio, whose family coat of arms above the door survived. By 1578 it has been completed facade of the building and the gallery. And in the early 17th century palazzo and adjacent buildings acquired by Cardinal Camillo Borghese, who later became Pope Paul V. Under his leadership, it was erected a second facade facing Piazza Borghese, and expanded the patio. He worked at the Palazzo and the famous Carlo Rainaldi - in 1671-76 years he redid the first floor of the long wings of the building, walking along the Tiber, he built a loggia supported by columns, oval chapel and a narrow gallery with barrel vault.

Today Palazzo Borghese boasts a charming courtyard, surrounded by 96 granite columns and adorned with statues. Here are the nymphaeum and a small garden with three fountains of the 17th century. The courtyard is considered one of the most impressive not only in Rome but throughout Italy.

For a long time in the Palazzo Borghese family kept a rich art collection, including works by Raphael and Titian. In 1891 it was moved to the Borghese Gallery at the Villa of the same name. Also worth noting is that this is where the scene was shot on the balcony of the great film "Romeo and Juliet" 1968.