Gardens of Bomarzo

Gardens of Bomarzo is an outdoor Mannerist garden in Bomarzo, province of Viterbo, Lazio, Italy, created in the mid-16th century (around 1552) and noted for its large sculpted stone figures. It is widely known locally as the Parco dei Mostri or Park of the Monsters for its grotesque, sometimes surreal works carved directly into the landscape.

The site contains dozens of monumental stone sculptures and architectural follies placed along footpaths through wooded slopes and clearings. Several sculptures form walkable features, including rock faces with mouths that open into small chambers and large animal and human figures set beside trails.

The garden was commissioned and developed by the nobleman Pier Francesco Orsini (also called Vicino Orsini); design work is traditionally attributed to Renaissance architects and artists active in the 16th century. Over subsequent centuries the park fell into neglect and was later restored and conserved for public access.

The gardens sit on the slopes above the town of Bomarzo in northern Lazio, roughly northwest of the city of Viterbo. The site occupies hilly, wooded terrain typical of the lower Tiber valley region and is reached by local roads from the surrounding towns.

• Origins: Created in the mid-16th century by the patron Pier Francesco Orsini, the park is commonly called the Park of the Monsters because of its grotesque stone sculptures.
• Sculpture material: Many of the sculptures are carved from the local tuff and are integrated into walking paths that run through wooded, hilly terrain.