The Monster Park of Bomarzo attracts with its beautiful gardens, but also with a monstrous mystery. This is the Sacred Wood which is located in Bomarzo, and designed by the architect Pirro LigorioThe architect who completed St. Peter's after Michelangelo's death in Rome. While this park was commissioned by Prince Pier Francesco Orsini, called Vicino. A monstrous park created to represent the Prince's grief after the death of his wife. Gulia Farnese.
The Legend of the Monsters of Bomarzo
The Monster Park of Bomarzo was designed by architect Pirro Ligorio and commissioned by Prince Pier Francesco Orsini. The Prince commissioned the work to express his grief over the death of his wife. This town in the province of Viterbo attracts thousands of tourists every year. Especially with the onset of summer, the park is an ideal place to spend a day with the whole family. To reach it, take the A1 Autostrada del Sole, using the Orte exit for those arriving from the south, and the Attigliano exit for those arriving from both the north and south. Finally, simply follow the local signs. But all that glitters is not gold.
Indeed, it seems as if a restless sigh envelops this place. The park is also filled with eerie, mysterious shadows. We walk among dragons, esoteric animals, and ancient deities. What looms over them all is an alabaster-pale shadow. It seems to be the ghost of Prince Pier Francesco Orsini. From one of his mad dreams, the park of monsters was born and takes its name. According to legend, in Sacred Wood, when darkness falls, ghosts flock to their ruler. They arrive piling up on top of each other and give life to the rituals of the dead. Thus, the wood it closes in on itself, and keeps its mystery alive.
The Forest of Monsters in Bomarzo fascinates and attracts tourists
After Vicino Orsini's death, his heirs abandoned the park. Only 400 years later, in the second half of the last century, when Giancarlo e Tina Bettini They recover everything we can admire today. We are talking about monumental works ranging from the two giants Hercules and Cacus to the tortoise surmounted by a woman. But also the Winged Victory, resting with only one foot on a globe, ready to take flight. Then we have the whale with its mouth wide open with water flowing, and the fountain of Pegaso It is said that stamping its hoof causes a spring to spring forth. This park, which represents the broken heart of Prince Pier Francesco Orsini, is perhaps intended to distract his mind from the pain of losing his beloved wife.
An outlet for the soul, to chase away monsters and "just to unburden the heart," as written on a pillar in the park. Yet all the attractions are laden with symbolism. We find constant references to mythology and the world of fantasy, like an allegorical journey, an alchemical journey through a path of large statues, surreal buildings, inscriptions, and riddles that surprise and disorient. It's easy to get lost among mermaids, sea monsters, and giant turtles. Then there are the sphinxes, dragons, masks, false tombs, and various illusionist tricks. These numerous attractions draw tourists from all over Italy and abroad.
