In Bomarzo a unique park of its kind: the park of monsters

Il Parco dei Mostri di Bomarzo - Bomarzo is a small town in the Viterbo area, located in the area of the Tiber and Tuscia valleys. In addition to the various archaeological areas and natural areas of the area, Bomarzo is known for the Park of the Monsters. It is a monumental complex, also known as 'Sacro Bosco', at the base of a real natural amphitheater. It was built by Vicino Orsini in 1552, dedicating it to his wife Giulia Farnese.

It is so called because the park is scattered with monuments made of basalt, which depict monstrous and mythological animals, divinities and animals, immersed in nature. Among the most evocative works 'the giants', which symbolize the struggle between good and evil. Two giant stone statues fighting each other. Or the turtle, with a gaping whale close at hand staring at it menacingly. We continue with 'the source', dedicated to the goddess Venus. One of the most admired is 'the leaning house', inside which it is possible to enter not without experiencing an annoying sense of vertigo. Then there are several faces, more or less threatening, some with eyes and mouth wide open as in a continuous scream. An example is the work called 'the ogre', which is a bit of a symbol of the park. Among the animals there are also an elephant, a dragon attacked by various beasts and a small dolphin in the hands of an imposing statue of Neptune. Another flagship, the sleeping nymph. Although the greatest terror is created by the various statues of lions and harpies, and finally by the figure of Cerberus.