If you’re considering a trip to Italy, it’s highly likely that Rome is at the top of your list of places to visit. However, nestled just 60 miles away from the world’s first metropolis, there exists a captivating destination that remains relatively unknown to tourists: The Park of Monsters, also known as Parco dei Monstri.
In 1552, the park sprang to existence, standing as the sole of its kind in the entire world. However, the garden housing these extraordinary “monsters” was left unattended for most of the 19th and a significant part of the 20th century. Nevertheless, by the 1970s, a comprehensive plan to revive the garden was set in motion, leading Bomarzo to transform into a prominent destination for tourists.
During the 16th century in Italy, it was common for the aristocracy to leave a lasting legacy of their grandeur through religious artwork. However, Pier Francesco Orsini had a unique desire for fame. He aimed to captivate visitors and amaze them with his astonishing and unexpected monsters, seeking to create a different kind of wonder.
The enchanting retreat nestled in the province of Viterbo, Italy, goes by the name of Bomarzo. Situated in the picturesque lower Tiber valley, a mere 68km away from the bustling city of Rome, this garden holds a significant historical background. It emerged from the dense forest that surrounded the resplendent Orsini family castle. Serving as a haven amidst the unpredictable and stressful nature of society during that era, Bomarzo proved to be a tranquil escape for its inhabitants.
Experience a mesmerizing array of over 25 captivating artworks, each with their own enigmatic mythological forms and chilling aesthetics. Prepare to be awestruck by the sight of colossal enigmatic ornaments, an intentionally skewed house reminiscent of the Tower of Pisa, and an assortment of peculiar creatures that will take you on an exhilarating journey like no other.
From the late 1800s until almost the 1990s, the once lively garden fell into neglect and became an abandoned plot. Fortunately, efforts to revive the garden began in the 1970s through a meticulous restoration program. Nowadays, Bomarzo has transformed into a renowned tourist spot, capturing the fascination of visitors worldwide.
The garden exhibits an assortment of sculptures skillfully positioned in a haphazard manner, deliberately enticing the curiosity of adventurous visitors. As one meanders through the pathways, the enigmatic artwork concealed around hidden corners captivates the imagination, leaving guests intrigued. Certain sculptures are intricately etched onto immense rocks, occasionally surprising onlookers with their sudden presence.
Pier Francesco Orsini, famously recognized as Vicino (1528-1588), was an Italian Renaissance warrior who dedicated his existence to cherishing the memories of his beloved spouse.
Following the demise of his beloved wife, he was consumed by profound desolation and embarked on the ambitious endeavor of constructing a magnificent garden. Collaborating alongside Pirro Lugorio, a highly acclaimed architect during that era, he poured his heart and soul into this project. The garden showcases an astonishing array of sculptures, boasting an impressive variety of monstrous beings such as the revered deities Pegasus, Poseidon, and Proteus…
The placement of these mythical creature sculptures appears to lack a cohesive theme from either ancient folklore or an appropriate setting for their current surroundings.
Maybe it was the deep sorrow stemming from his wife’s premature demise that inspired Vicino to create this peculiar park. Nevertheless, despite countless years of investigation, the enigma behind its existence remains an unsolved puzzle to researchers.
