Bomarzo Monster Park

Step Into a Surreal Fantasy World – An Easy Day Trip from Rome

Tucked away in the lush forests of northern Lazio, just over an hour’s drive from Rome, lies one of Italy’s most unusual and intriguing destinations: Bomarzo Monster Park. Known in Italian as Parco dei Mostri (Park of the Monsters), this 16th-century garden is unlike any other—part dreamscape, part nightmare, and entirely unforgettable.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with writer and educator Teresa Cutler-Broyles on the Flavor of Italy podcast about her captivating historical novel Dante’s Garden, which is set in this very place. During our conversation, Teresa shared how a spontaneous visit to the Bomarzo Monster Park led to years of research, repeat visits, and ultimately the inspiration for a novel that blends time travel, romance, and historical fiction.

A Bomarzo Garden of Monsters, Mystery, and Imagination

Bomarzo Monster Park was commissioned in the 1500s by Duke Pier Francesco Orsini and designed with the help of architect Pirro Ligorio, who also worked on parts of the Vatican. This wasn’t your typical Renaissance garden filled with symmetry and order. Instead, it’s a chaotic, magical labyrinth of gigantic stone monsters, mythological creatures, dragons, ogres, leaning houses, and mysterious inscriptions carved into stone.

Perhaps the most iconic sculpture in the park is the “Mouth of Hell”—a grotesque stone face with a gaping mouth that doubles as an open doorway. Above the entrance reads the eerie inscription: “Abandon all thought, ye who enter here,” a clear nod to Dante’s Divine Comedy. It was this statue in particular that sparked Teresa’s imagination and became the time-travel portal in her novel.

The Inspiration Behind Dante’s Garden

In Dante’s Garden, a modern-day book collector named Frank Farina finds himself transported back to 1565 Italy after discovering a rare edition of Dante’s Divine Comedy. He wakes up in the garden of Bomarzo Monster Park, where he meets Lucrezia Romano, a young model and muse for sculptor Pirro Ligorio. Together, they navigate the dangerous politics of the time, including encounters with the Inquisition, all while searching for a way to send Frank back home.

The story brings to life the mystery and magic of the garden and the period, incorporating both fictional characters and real historical figures like Duke Orsini and Ligorio. Teresa spent years writing the novel and often returned to the garden to write on site, immersing herself in its eerie yet enchanting atmosphere.

What Makes Bomarzo Monster Park So Special?

What makes Bomarzo Monster Park truly unique is that nobody really knows why it was built. Some say it was a grieving tribute to Duke Orsini’s late wife; others believe it was a parody of the perfectly manicured Renaissance gardens popular at the time. There’s even a theory that the garden was intended as a place to amuse—and perhaps scare—visiting noblewomen.

Teresa shared how the park’s origin story is still shrouded in mystery, and much of the historical information that exists today is copied from one source to another, offering few concrete facts. This mystery only adds to the magic and makes it the perfect setting for a novel full of discovery, fantasy, and romance.

Bomarzo Monster Park - an Ideal Day Trip from Rome

If you’re visiting Rome and want to escape the crowds for something truly off the beaten path, Bomarzo Monster Park is a perfect day trip. It’s an easy drive or organized tour from the city, and a fascinating place to bring both adults and children. The sculptures range from whimsical to creepy, so while little ones may find some parts scary, most are delighted by the fantastical setting.

For literature lovers, reading Dante’s Garden before your visit adds a whole new layer of meaning to the park. You'll recognize the settings, the sculptures, and maybe even feel, as Teresa did, that someone—or something—is whispering through the forest as you wander.

A Few Tips for Visiting Bomarzo Monster Park

• Bring good walking shoes: The terrain can be uneven, and you’ll want to explore every sculpture and hidden path.
• Pack a picnic: There are picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy lunch surrounded by monsters.
• Visit on a weekday: To avoid crowds and enjoy the quiet, almost magical atmosphere.
• Stay tuned for tours: Teresa runs writing and cultural tours in Italy, and plans to expand her offerings in the coming years. Keep an eye on her website TLCTravels.org for updates.

Where to Find the Book

The second edition of Dante’s Garden is available on Amazon and other booksellers. Teresa added new scenes and corrected historical details in this edition, so be sure to get the latest version.

Don’t Miss This Hidden Gem, Bomarzo Monster Park

Bomarzo Monster Park is unlike anywhere else in Italy. It’s a place that invites imagination, exploration, and introspection. Whether you’re a family traveling with children, a history buff, an architecture lover, or someone just looking for a unique day trip from Rome, this surreal garden will not disappoint.

Pair your visit with Teresa's Dante's Garden, a bit of curiosity, and you just might feel the pull of history—and maybe even time travel—yourself.

Curious about other Fascinating Day Trips from Rome?

After your visit to the Bomarzo Monster Park, be sure to check out these other unforgettable day trips from Rome—all featured on my blog:

• Greccio: Visit the peaceful hill town of Greccio, where the first Nativity Scene was created by Saint Francis of Assisi.
• Best of Bologna Day Trip: Experience Bologna’s legendary food markets, medieval towers, and delicious local cuisine—all in a perfect day trip from Rome.
• Subiaco: Discover Subiaco’s striking cliffside monasteries and quiet natural beauty, less than two hours from the Eternal City.
• Ninfa Gardens: Wander through the romantic and otherworldly Ninfa Gardens, often called the most beautiful gardens in Europe.
• Florence: Hop on a high-speed train for a day in Florence, where Renaissance art, iconic landmarks, and unforgettable food await.
• Naples: Explore Naples on a quick day trip and discover vibrant street life, ancient history, and some of Italy’s best pizza.