If you’re heading to Italy, chances are Rome is at the top of your list of places to visit. However, just a short 60 miles away from the bustling metropolis is a hidden gem that many tourists overlook: The Park of Monsters (Parco dei Monstri).
Established in 1552, Bomarzo Park is truly one-of-a-kind. Despite lying dormant for centuries, the garden filled with enchanting “monsters” saw a revival in the 1970s with a restoration project. Today, Bomarzo is a popular destination for tourists from around the globe.
During the 16th century in Italy, the aristocracy typically showcased their grandeur through religious artwork passed down through generations. However, Pier Francesco Orsini had a different vision for his legacy. He aimed to captivate and astonish visitors by creating a sense of wonder with his collection of monstrous sculptures.
Known as Bomarzo Garden, this serene oasis is located in the Viterbo province of Lazio, Italy, just 68km from bustling Rome. Situated near the Orsini family castle, the garden served as a peaceful sanctuary for them to escape the chaos and pressures of society during that era.
Over 25 pieces of art will reveal their unusual mythological forms and eerie appearances. From massive mysterious decorations to intentionally slanted buildings (unlike the Tower of Pisa), and a multitude of strange creatures, prepare for an unforgettable and thrilling experience.
The garden fell into neglect in the late 1800s and remained abandoned until the late 1900s. Restoration efforts began in the 1970s and now Bomarzo is a popular spot for tourists to visit.
The garden sculptures are strategically positioned at varying angles, with no set pattern, to pique the interest of curious visitors who enjoy discovering new things. Hidden behind corners, these sculptures provoke wonder and surprise as onlookers try to discern their mysterious shapes. Carved directly onto massive rocks, some of these pieces even have the power to startle unsuspecting viewers.
Vicino, the nickname of Pier Francesco Orsini (1528-1588), was a soldier for hire in the Italian Renaissance era. Throughout his days, he carried the memory of his beloved wife in his heart.
Following the loss of his wife, he fell into a deep state of sadness and threw himself into the project of creating a remarkable garden, collaborating with Pirro Lugorio, a renowned architect of that era. The array of monster sculptures in the garden is wide-ranging, featuring mythical creatures like the winged horse Pegasus, the sea god Poseidon, and the shape-shifting Proteus.
These statues of mythical creatures appear to be out of place and unrelated to each other, with no clear connection to the surroundings where they are situated.
Maybe it was the deep sorrow from losing his wife that compelled Vicino to create this peculiar park. Despite numerous attempts over the centuries, the true enigma behind it remains unsolved by researchers.