This Park Of Creepy Creatures Is A Must-See Attraction In Italy

If you’re craving some off-the-grid excitement in the Italian countryside, or you need a break from city hopping, the Parco dei Mostri in the Garden of Bomarzo is a great way to spend the day. Embedded in a world of mossy antiquity, this park is filled with bizarre and mesmerising statues and carvings.

Also called Sacro Bosco (Sacred Grove), this eerie nature reserve is hidden away in the Province of Viterbo, north of Rome. The grotesque display of fascinating stone figures dates back to 1552 when Prince Pier Francesco Orsini commissioned architect Pirro Ligorio to create a park that would express his grief after having just survived a war, lost his wife and experienced a litany of other misfortunes. Meant to bring this realm of fantasy and shock to life and reflect his anguish, Sacro Bosco features a number of unconventional models, including a giant fish head, a stairwell through the mouth of a screaming monkey, a war elephant and two brawling giants.

Ligorio was a noted architect at the time, known for his work at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Rome. Once commissioned, he designed the layout of the park in a surreal and curious manner that rejected traditional Renaissance style and instead adhered to the abnormal tone of the place. Dotted with a blend of mythological, religious and animal sculptures, the canopied walkways still intrigue and fascinate. After the ‘Villa of Marvels‘ was completed, it sat for many years without very much upkeep until it was acquired by a new owner who returned it to a pristine state.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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