Parco dei Mostri
Mannerist garden at Bomarzo with large stone sculptures of monsters and fantastic figures, commissioned by Vicino Orsini in the 16th century.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Parco dei Mostri, also known as the Sacro Bosco di Bomarzo, was commissioned by Pier Francesco Orsini, known as Vicino, lord of Bomarzo, born in Rome on 4 July 1523 and died in Bomarzo on 28 January 1585. According to tradition he created it to give vent to his grief after the death of his wife Giulia Farnese in 1560.
Work began in 1573 under the direction of the architect Pirro Ligorio and was completed in 1585. The park is populated by large stone sculptures, carved from the outcropping rock, depicting monsters, deities and fantastic figures, scattered through a shady wood.
According to some hypotheses, the small temple in the park may have been dedicated to Vicino's second wife, Clelia di Clemente, rather than to Giulia Farnese. A visit lasts about two hours on average and takes place almost entirely in the shade of the trees.
Highlights
- Monumental stone sculptures of monsters
- Path through the 16th-century Mannerist wood
- The small temple in the park
- Visit of about two hours
Permanent exhibition
- Sacro Bosco con le sculture monumentali – Route through the Mannerist wood with large stone sculptures of monsters, deities and fantastic figures.
- Founded
- 1548
- Visitors per year
- approx. 120,000
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €15 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €9free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 13; free up to age 4; over 13 the full rate applies. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for visitors with disabilities who are not self-sufficient. |
| Groups (30+ people) | €13 per personGroups of at least 30 people, with a letter from the organising body; one free companion for every 30 people; booking at least 5 days in advance. |
| Schools (students up to age 17) | €6One free companion for every 15 students; booking at least 5 days in advance |
| Teachers and adult students on school trips | €8 |
The driver of a group coach is also admitted free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Only guide dogs for blind visitors are admitted; other animals may not enter. The site provides no further accessibility details.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
Getting there & parking
By public transit
By train to Viterbo, then by taxi (about 35 minutes); there are no frequent direct buses.
By car
Parking available
By car from the A1 motorway: Orte exit when arriving from the north, Attigliano exit when arriving from the south, then follow the signs for Bomarzo.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Photography | Flash and lights are forbidden; tripods and professional equipment require the management's permission; commercial use requires prior authorisation. |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours by reservation. The park has a car park. |
