Bomarzo​

By Dion Protani
Latest update: 28 November 2023
​The town of Bomarzo belongs to the historical area known as Tuscia, the Roman name for Etruria, the land of the Etruscans.

Bomarzo is situated within the Province of Viterbo and stands at an elevation of 263 metres above sea level. The town has a population of around 2,000 while places of interest nearby include Mostri Park - Bomarzo Gardens and Mugnano in Teverina.
Related links
Profile
Bomarzo is a fascinating town located in the province of Viterbo, in the region of Lazio, Italy. Known for its enigmatic "Park of Monsters" and historical charm, Bomarzo offers visitors a unique and captivating experience. ​
 History
Bomarzo has ancient origins that date back to the Etruscan era. The town flourished during the Roman period and was later ruled by various noble families, including the Orsini and the Farnese.

One of the town's most significant landmarks is the "Sacred Grove" or "Park of Monsters," which was created in the 16th century by the influential Orsini family. The park is filled with large sculptures and bizarre figures, carved from massive blocks of stone, creating a surreal and mysterious atmosphere.
Highlights and nearby attractions
  • Parco dei Mostri (Park of Monsters): Explore the famous "Sacred Grove" or "Park of Monsters," where you'll find a collection of grotesque and surreal sculptures, including a gigantic screaming mouth, a leaning house, and mythical creatures. The park is an open-air museum like no other and is a must-visit attraction in Bomarzo.
  • Historical Centre: Wander through the charming streets of Bomarzo's historical centre, where you'll find ancient buildings, quaint squares, and picturesque alleys.
  • Orsini Palace: Visit the Orsini Palace, a beautiful Renaissance building that once belonged to the powerful Orsini family. Today, it houses a museum and offers insights into the town's history.
  • Santa Maria Assunta Church: Explore the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, an elegant religious building with valuable artworks and architectural elements.
  • Civita di Bagnoregio: While in Bomarzo, you can take a short trip to the nearby "Dying Town" of Civita di Bagnoregio, an ancient village perched on a rocky hill and accessible only by a pedestrian bridge.
  • Local Cuisine: Savour traditional Lazio dishes and regional specialties in Bomarzo's restaurants and trattorias.
Comune di Bomarzo
​​​Province: Viterbo

Region: Lazio

Population: 1,684 (Source: ISTAT 1 January 2022)

Size: 40 km²

​​​Elevation: 263 metres

Highlight: Mostri Park - Bomarzo Gardens

Close by: Mugnano in Teverina

Recommended accommodation: Hotel Umbria (6 km)

Bomarzo​​  Gallery

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via my Italy Review Blog for which you'll find links below to the Facebook and Twitter pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone.