Il Parco dei Mostri di Bomarzo: cosa sapere

History of an enchanted garden

The Parco dei Mostri, also known as the Sacro Bosco, is located in the municipality of Bomarzo, in the province of Viterbo. It was conceived around the mid-16th century by Prince Pier Francesco Orsini, known as Vicino Orsini. The park's design is attributed to the architect Pirro Ligorio, a prominent figure of the era who also worked on the creation of Villa d'Este in Tivoli. The park was born as an expression of Mannerist taste, clearly distancing itself from the Renaissance canons based on order and symmetry. Vicino Orsini's intent was to create a place dedicated to astonishment, an initiatory path that celebrated pain and wonder in memory of his late wife, Giulia Farnese.

The sculptures and the path

The works that populate the woods are carved directly into the peperino rock, a volcanic material typical of the Viterbo area. These monumental figures represent mythological creatures, deities, and fantastic animals. Among the most iconic are:

• The Mouth of Hell: a gigantic mask with a wide-open mouth that invites visitors to enter. Inside is a natural room where voices echo, creating a suggestive effect.
• The Leaning House: a building constructed on an inclined plane that tests the balance of anyone who enters, generating a sense of spatial disorientation.
• Proteus: a colossal head emerging from the ground, a symbol of wild and uncontrolled nature.
• The War Elephant: depicted in the act of seizing a soldier, it is one of the most imposing and detailed sculptures in the park.
• The statues of deities: figures such as Ceres, Venus, and Neptune alternate in the park, giving a cultured and literary tone to the entire botanical complex.

Tips for your visit

Visiting the Sacro Bosco requires a spirit of observation and comfortable shoes. As it is a wooded area with sometimes uneven paths, it is highly recommended to wear footwear suitable for walking. The route is circular but has no mandatory direction: let your instincts guide you to discover every hidden corner among the vegetation. The best time to visit Bomarzo is in the spring, when the greenery is lush, or in the autumn, to enjoy the more melancholic atmosphere that fits well with the aesthetics of the place. Don't forget to bring a camera, as the light filtering through the tree branches and ancient statues creates unique contrasts. The park is accessible to dogs on a leash, making it possible to take a walk with your pet. For those wishing to delve deeper into the history of the territory, it is recommended to combine the visit with a stop in the medieval village of Bomarzo or a short trip to the nearby thermal baths of Viterbo.

Don't miss

• Viterbo
• Tivoli