Apollo and Daphne
The eternal moment of transformation: the masterpiece sculpted by Bernini.
L'Apollo e Daphne, sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, is one of the absolute masterpieces of the Italian Baroque and the Galleria Borghese. The work captures the dramatic moment when the nymph Daphne, pursued by Apollo, turns into a laurel tree to escape the god. Bernini's extraordinary mastery is evident in the incredibly realistic details: Daphne's windswept hair, her hands becoming branches and the look of dismay on both their faces. It is a celebration of movement, metamorphosis and art's ability to freeze time in an eternal moment.
Useful information
How to get there
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In the underground: The nearest stop is Spagna (Line A), about a 15-20 minute walk from the tunnel entrance.
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By bus: Several bus lines stop near Villa Borghese. The most convenient are the 52, 53, 63, 83, 92, 223, 360, 910, which stop near the entrance to the park.
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By tram: Line 19 stops nearby at the Galleria Arte Moderna stop, from where you can access the park.
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On foot: If you are in the historical centre, the gallery is easily reached by a pleasant walk through Villa Borghese, starting from Piazza di Spagna or Via Veneto.
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By car: It is possible to arrive by car, but parking is limited. It is advisable to use public car parks nearby or in outlying areas and continue by public transport.
History
Created between 1622 and 1625, Apollo and Daphne was commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese to decorate his villa. The work is based on the story of the myth of Apollo and Daphne contained in Ovid's Metamorphoses. Bernini, barely 20 years old, demonstrated extraordinary talent by transforming a block of marble into a vibrant scene of life and movement. The sculpture immediately became a symbol of the Baroque, thanks to its ability to combine realism and theatricality. Today, it continues to be one of the most famous and beloved works in the Galleria Borghese.
Created between 1622 and 1625, Apollo and Daphne was commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese to decorate his villa. The work is based on the story of the myth of Apollo and Daphne contained in Ovid's Metamorphoses. Bernini, barely 20 years old, demonstrated extraordinary talent by transforming a block of marble into a vibrant scene of life and movement. The sculpture immediately became a symbol of the Baroque, thanks to its ability to combine realism and theatricality. Today, it continues to be one of the most famous and beloved works in the Galleria Borghese.
Reviews
A masterpiece that leaves you speechless
The perfection of marble coming to life
The magic of movement in marble
Tips
Observe the work from all angles
Bernini's sculpture is designed to be viewed in 360 degrees. Walk around Apollo and Daphne to catch every detail and appreciate how the action seems to change with perspective, making the work a dynamic visual narrative.
Learn about the myth of Apollo and Daphne
Reading the story from Ovid's Metamorphoses before your visit will help you understand the deeper meaning of the scene depicted. This will add a further level of appreciation to Bernini's extraordinary craftsmanship.
Visit other Bernini sculptures at the Borghese Gallery
Don't miss the opportunity to admire other Bernini masterpieces in the Gallery, such as the Rape of Proserpine and the David. These works, together with Apollo and Daphne, show the young artist's incredible talent and his ability to transform marble into pure emotion.
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