Mostri Park - Bomarzo Gardens
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 18 January 2024
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The Mostri Park - Bomarzo Gardens is situated in the Province of Viterbo, close to the town of Bomarzo itself.
Created in the 16th century, the garden contains a quite extraordinary collection of weird and wonderful sculptures. Mostri Park translates as "Monsters Park" and this is very much a place for the whole family rather than perhaps garden purists. |
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Parco dei Mostri, commonly known as the Park of Monsters or Mostri Park, is a unique and fascinating garden located in Bomarzo, a town in the province of Viterbo, Lazio, Italy. This historical and surreal park is unlike any other, featuring an assortment of massive and whimsical stone sculptures, inspired by mythological creatures and figures from classical antiquity.
Mostri Park is a vast garden filled with large, intricate, and often bizarre stone sculptures scattered throughout the landscape. The sculptures were designed and created by the architect Pirro Ligorio, commissioned by Prince Pier Francesco Orsini in the mid-16th century. The park is nestled within a natural forest setting, and the sculptures emerge dramatically from the lush greenery, creating an otherworldly and surreal atmosphere.
The sculptures represent a wide array of mythical beings, creatures, and characters from classical mythology, as well as characters from Roman and Etruscan history. Among the sculptures, you can find a gigantic dragon, a monstrous elephant, a giant head, an ogre devouring a man, and various other enigmatic and fantastical figures.
Mostri Park is a vast garden filled with large, intricate, and often bizarre stone sculptures scattered throughout the landscape. The sculptures were designed and created by the architect Pirro Ligorio, commissioned by Prince Pier Francesco Orsini in the mid-16th century. The park is nestled within a natural forest setting, and the sculptures emerge dramatically from the lush greenery, creating an otherworldly and surreal atmosphere.
The sculptures represent a wide array of mythical beings, creatures, and characters from classical mythology, as well as characters from Roman and Etruscan history. Among the sculptures, you can find a gigantic dragon, a monstrous elephant, a giant head, an ogre devouring a man, and various other enigmatic and fantastical figures.
History
The Park of Monsters was commissioned by Prince Pier Francesco Orsini, a nobleman and military leader, also known as Vicino Orsini. The garden was created as a personal and private sanctuary and was intended to express Vicino Orsini's feelings of grief and disarray following the death of his wife, Giulia Farnese.
The park was designed to be a unique and unconventional place, where visitors could wander through a maze of odd and mysterious sculptures, encountering both fear and wonder. It was intended to serve as a reflection of the prince's own emotional turmoil and was meant to be a place of introspection and philosophical contemplation.
The park was designed to be a unique and unconventional place, where visitors could wander through a maze of odd and mysterious sculptures, encountering both fear and wonder. It was intended to serve as a reflection of the prince's own emotional turmoil and was meant to be a place of introspection and philosophical contemplation.
Key features and nearby attractions
- Opening Hours: The park is generally open to the public, but opening hours may vary depending on the season. It's advisable to check the official website or local guides for the most up-to-date information.
- Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee to access the park. Ticket options may include entry to nearby attractions as well.
- Accessibility: The park is located in a natural forested area, and some parts may involve uneven terrain and steps, making it less accessible for visitors with reduced mobility.
- Photography: Mostri Park offers a wealth of photo opportunities, so be sure to bring your camera to capture the surreal and magical sculptures.
- Nearby Attractions: Bomarzo is a charming town with other historical and cultural attractions nearby, including the medieval village of Bomarzo and the nearby Villa Lante gardens.
Sacro Bosco/ Il Parco dei Mostri di Bomarzo
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Province: Viterbo
Region: Lazio Created: 16th century Close by: Bomarzo, Mugnano in Teverina, Bassano in Teverina Fly to: Rome Fiumicino Airport - 1 hour 34 minutes by car (129 km) Recommended accommodation: Hotel Umbria (6 km) |
