Parco dei Mostri

About

The Park of the Monsters, or Parco dei Mostri in Italian, is a 16‑th‑century Mannerist garden located in Bomarzo, Viterbo province, within the region of Lazio. Created by Pier Francesco Orsini in remembrance of his wife, the park is famed for its bewildering collection of grotesque sculptures that appear to have been placed at random, creating a sublimely strange landscape that astonishes every visitor. In addition to the statues, visitors encounter architectural follies such as the leaning House (Casa Pendente) and the Temple of Eternity, which lend the garden a sense of mythic intrigue. The park lies within a wooded valley beneath the ancient Orsini castle, offering serene pathways framed by the natural vegetation of the surrounding countryside. The unique blend of art and nature renders Parco dei Mostri an immersive historical experience, inviting tourists to wander through the maze of sculptures, each carrying its own allegorical story. While the garden’s maintenance and visitor amenities are modest, the raw and evocative atmosphere draws travelers seeking both artistic fascination and a quiet retreat from the bustle of Rome and Florence. Guided tours are rare but many visitors choose to explore the grounds independently, at their own pace to fully absorb the park's storied history and the strange beauty that has inspired luminaries such as Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau. Overall, a visit to Parco dei Mostri is a time‑traveling journey into Renaissance art, myth, and the creative spirit of 16th‑century Italy.

Highlights

• The Hell Mouth (Orcus)
• Leaning House
• Temple of Eternity

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes