Bomarzo:
The Park of the Monsters
The Ogre
The small town of Bomarzo, in Northern Lazio, is home to the bizarre Parco dei Mostri (Park of the Monsters). The Sacro Bosco (Sacred Grove), to give the park its proper name, was designed by the Neapolitan artist and architect Pirro Ligorio (1513-83) for Prince Pier Francesco Orsini (1523-85). The Sacro Bosco was dedicated to the prince's wife Giulia Farnese, who died ten years into the marriage.
The motley collection of stone figures, which are scattered throughout the park, have been largely attributed to the sculptor Simone Moschino (1553-1610), who carved them out of the natural rock formations. Their meaning has been subject to much speculation.
The Ogre (l'Orco) is, perhaps, the most famous sculpture in the park. Inscribed around its gaping mouth are the words: LASCIATE OGNI PENSIERO VOI CH'INTRATE (Abandon every thought you who enter).
After the death of Prince Orsini the park was abandoned for centuries. Its restoration is thanks to the Bettini family
The motley collection of stone figures, which are scattered throughout the park, have been largely attributed to the sculptor Simone Moschino (1553-1610), who carved them out of the natural rock formations. Their meaning has been subject to much speculation.
The Ogre (l'Orco) is, perhaps, the most famous sculpture in the park. Inscribed around its gaping mouth are the words: LASCIATE OGNI PENSIERO VOI CH'INTRATE (Abandon every thought you who enter).
After the death of Prince Orsini the park was abandoned for centuries. Its restoration is thanks to the Bettini family
The Elephant and Tower
The Siren
The Tortoise