Gardens of Bomarzo Museum

Address: Parco dei Mostri, Bomarzo, 01020 Viterbo, Italy

Website: https://www.parcodeibomrzi.it/

Hours: Daily Apr-Oct 9:00am-7:00pm; Nov-Mar 9:00am-5:00pm (seasonal variations)

Admission: €8-€12 (adult); reductions for youth/seniors

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.

Bomarzo is north of Rome, roughly a 90-110 minute drive from Rome’s city center via the A1 and SR2. Regional buses run from Viterbo and Orte with a short taxi or walk from the nearest stop; parking is available on site.

• Time a visit for early morning to see light slant across the grotesques-the Gardens of Bomarzo are most atmospheric before midday crowds.
• Bring a local guide (or the excellent guidebook available at the ticket office) to understand the Renaissance allegories behind the sculptures.
• Wear good shoes-paths can be uneven and some statues require a short scramble to reach closely.