This is the small temple of Diana in Villa Borghese, circular in shape, dated 1789, wanted by Marcantonio IV Borghese and built by Antonio Asprucci.
It is dedicated to Diana, goddess of hunting and Moon, as we can see from the decoration of the voult: panels with animal scenes. Originally there was a statue of the Goddess, the “Diana of Gabi” (now it is in the Louvre).
However, the base on which the statue was placed still remains, today we could think it was an altar. The temple is very well kept and it is a small gem in Villa Borghese.
The English garden
The Temple of Diana is an emotional element within the English style garden, the predominant style of this area of the park.
I became interested in the English garden style and I found that it was introduced in the 18th century. It was inspired by the Enlightenment thought; this style shows a natural look, in contrast with the Italian gardens that used geometric shapes. An example of an Italian garden is still present in Villa Borghese. It is located in the back of the Galleria Museo Borghese. So if you want you can make the comparison.
But… Letvs go back to the English garden… we have to admit that it looks natural but actually it is not, because it is expertly designed. It integrates wild plants and wilder areas with human interventions, including architectural ones, such as this temple, which represents a tribute to classical antiquity and ruins. Landscape elements are also artificially created, such as streams and lakes, such as the one near which I often play.
A garden of emotions
The result is a garden that naturally dialogues with the soul, capable of evocating different sensations and emotions, simply by crossing it. I love English gardens ❤️.
A curiosity: Marie Antoinette of France was also a fan of English gardens and wanted one in her own private area in Versailles. There is a small circular temple, dedicated to Cupid, similar to our Diana’s one.