Gardens of Bomarzo, Images, Facts and History
The Gardens of Bomarzo, also known as the Park of the Monsters (Parco dei Mostri), is a unique monumental complex in Bomarzo, located in the province of Viterbo, northern Lazio, Italy.
The park was commissioned in the 16th century by the Italian nobleman Pier Francesco Orsini, known as Vicino (1523–1585). A condottiero (mercenary leader), Orsini created the gardens as a tribute to his beloved wife, Giulia Farnese, who had passed away. The park was designed by architect Pirro Ligorio, who was also responsible for finishing St. Peter’s Basilica after Michelangelo’s death. The sculptures, executed by Simone Moschino, feature grotesque and mythological figures, deliberately designed to shock and astonish visitors, reflecting Orsini’s grief and the era’s interest in mannerism and esoteric themes.
The park covers an area of approximately 3 hectares, set in a coniferous and deciduous forest. Within the park, numerous sculptures of various sizes depict mythological characters and animals, along with buildings inspired by classical architecture. These structures intentionally defy traditional rules of perspective and aesthetics, aiming to create a sense of disorientation for visitors.
The architectural design was the work of Pirro Ligorio, while the sculptures were created by Simone Moschino. The sculptures, made of basalt, feature enigmatic inscriptions, many of which have only partially survived.
At the park’s entrance stand two sphinxes, blending both classical and Egyptian influences. They are characterized by their wingless form, combining the body of a lion with the head of a woman.
The park fell into neglect after Orsini’s death and remained largely forgotten until the 20th century. It was restored and revived in the 1950s thanks to the efforts of the Italian artist Salvador Dalí and art historian Mario Praz, who brought renewed attention to its unique and surreal qualities. Today, the Gardens of Bomarzo are a significant cultural and tourist attraction, known for their mysterious and otherworldly atmosphere.
One of the most famous sculptures in the park is the “Mouth of Hell” (Bocca dell’Inferno), a large face with an open mouth into which visitors can walk. This grotesque figure serves as a symbol of the park’s overall theme of confronting the uncanny and the unknown. Other notable sculptures include the leaning house, the dragon fighting a dog, and various figures from mythology, each contributing to the park’s reputation as a labyrinth of art and nature.
Images of Gardens of Bomarzo, Arcane Park of the Monsters, Lazio, Italy
Pictures by MadGrin
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