Art, Europe, Italy

A Visit to Monster Park!

August 4, 2015

Monster ParkThis is probably the best-kept secret in all of Italy! In the Lazio region of Italy near my friend’s house, is something called the Sacred Wood of Bomarzo or the Parco dei Mostri. The park contains a collection of strange and some frightening pieces of sculpture. The sculptures have been carved out of rock found in the wood. An Italian nobleman named Pier Francesco Orsini in memory of his wife, Giulia Farnese, built the garden in the 16th century. The brochure that was given to us states that the architect was Pirro Ligorio, who completed parts of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. However, some online research says that Michelangelo was the architect, and his student’s completed the work. Either way, this is a unique experience and is not to be missed.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on the link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Monster ParkMonster ParkMonster ParkMonster ParkMonsterMonster Park

As you can see, the wooded area is also a beautiful place to visit. During the heat wave that happened that week, the park was a welcome relief being a few degrees cooler than everywhere else. They give you map to the sculptures, but it isn’t very good but does provide great information on the sculptures and the history of the park. Just follow the trails you and you shouldn’t have a problem finding all the sculptures. It took us about an hour to walk through all of it.

Monster Park is located just outside Bomarzo, Italy. You can get there from the A1 highway following the signs for Bomarzo. If you have an Italian GPS, it should get you there with no problems. Google maps directions seem also to be accurate. From April to October the park is open every day from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm and from November through March from 8:30 am to sunset. Adult tickets are €10, and kid tickets are €8. There is also a snack bar on site if you need a break before or after.

What is the strangest attraction you have seen on your travels?

You Might Also Like

10 Comments

  • Reply Charlie August 4, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    Wait, what the hell is that sculpture in second photo about? Why that looks like one guy is taking a good look at the other’s asshole by putting him upside down?

    • Reply Tiffany August 4, 2015 at 1:16 pm

      Haha! Yes it does. It is Hercules battling Cacus.

      • Reply Elle August 4, 2015 at 11:48 pm

        Whew, glad I checked the comments before posing the same question. *Googles Cacus*

        • Reply Tiffany August 4, 2015 at 11:50 pm

          Haha! I didn’t even think about it till someone asked. Let us know what you find out about Cacus.

  • Reply Nikita August 5, 2015 at 9:49 pm

    Wow, this looks so weird and awesome! Had no idea something like this existed. I love the picture of you in the monster’s mouth!

    • Reply Tiffany August 5, 2015 at 9:51 pm

      Thanks. I wanted to show the scale of the sculptures.

  • Reply Paige August 6, 2015 at 4:02 am

    Super cool!

  • Reply Sasha August 6, 2015 at 5:13 am

    I found your blog on Blogging 101 – I absolutely love traveling and have never been to Italy. Enjoying living vicariously through your pictures!

    • Reply Tiffany August 6, 2015 at 7:34 am

      I hope you enjoy them. I also went to Rome a few years ago. You can search for those posts too. Thanks for stopping by.

  • Reply 2016 Travel Plans Updated | A Girl and Her PassportA Girl and Her Passport April 7, 2016 at 4:41 pm

    […] some of my past trips to Italy, please check out these posts: Driving in Italy, Stunning Verona, A Visit to Monster Park, and Christmas in […]

  • Leave a comment!

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.