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Park of the Monsters of Bomarzo

The Monster Park of Bomarzo: A Surreal Journey between Imagination and Chaos

In the heart of Tuscia Laziale lies an enchanted and surreal place that defies logic and captures the imagination of those who dare to cross its boundaries. The Park of the Monsters of Bomarzo, also known as the Sacred Wood, is a unique masterpiece, a forest where imagination and fears take shape, turning into extraordinary stone sculptures.
Table of contents:
  1. The birth of the Monster Park
  2. Imagination and primordial chaos
  3. The creatures of the park
  4. The legacy of the Bomarzo Park

The Roots of the Mystery of Bomarzo

The history of this enigmatic place began in 1552, when the Italian nobleman Pier Francesco Orsinialso known as Vicino Orsini, commissioned the architect Pirro Ligorio to transforming his Bomarzo estate into something extraordinary. He wanted to create a place where art, philosophy and emotional expression merged into a unique experience. He wanted to push visitors to a "initiatory path", a journey face to face with the most hidden self and one's own fears. The motivation behind the creation of this unusual garden seems to have been the his personal response to the grief caused by the death of his wifeGiulia Farnese.

Imagination and Chaos

The Monster Park for Bomarzo is one of several fascinating places of the Tuscia territory. It is populated by mythological creatures, mysterious figures and fantastic animalsall carved in stone with craftsmanship. The statues, arranged in a seemingly random manner, offer a surprising spectacle to anyone who ventures among the park's ancient trees. Everything seems to represent primordial chaos, connected to the human soul in times of difficulty or mental instability. The phrase carved on one of the two sphinxes at the entrance is a invitation to those who venture there. “You, who enter here, put your mind from side to side, and then tell me if so many marvels are made by deception or also by art“.

Extravagant Creatures and Constructions

In the heart of the forest of Bomarzo stands theOrca large stone face with its mouth wide open, on whose lips is written 'Every thought flies'. It is a chamber excavated in tuff which is accessed by means of some steps. The internal shape of the room means that voices and sounds bounce off the walls creating an echo with a frightening effect. And again the majestic Hercules and Cacustwo giants fighting each other, the Turtle with a human head, the Fury with a dragon's tail and wings. There are also fascinating constructions, such as the Organ Fountaina unique structure that emits harmonic sounds when water flows through it. Finally, the famous Leaning House that fascinated Salvador Dali during one of his visits to the park.

Legacy of the Monster Park

After the death of Vicino Orsini in 1584, the Monster Park fell into relative oblivion, shrouded in mystery and the obscurity of its centuries-old trees. It was only in the 20th century that the site has fortunately been revalued thanks to a wave of attention and interest from the public and intellectuals. Famous visits by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Mario Praz and Salvator Dali. It seems that the latter was inspired here for his triptych 'The Temptations of St. Anthony'. Today the Sacred Wood of Bomarzo is visited by thousands of visitors and continues to influence literary, film and artistic works, making this place a benchmark for human creativity.

The Park of the Monsters of Bomarzo remains a hidden treasure, a place where art, myth and emotional expression come together in a surreal experience. Through its enigmatic sculptures and fascinating history, the park offers aunique opportunity to immerse oneself in a realm of wonder, mystery and introspection. A journey through ancient trees and mythological creatures is an invitation to explore human creativity.

Come and discover the Sacred Wood of Bomarzo!

in Territorio Posted by elena@enfasia.it
Sasseto Forest

Bosco del Sasseto: Discovering the Enchanted Kingdom

A monumental park at the foot of the Torre Alfina Castle where nature and art come together in timeless beauty. A Natural Monument of the Lazio Region since 2006, the Bosco del Sasseto welcomes you in an evocative atmosphere of colours, smells and unforgettable sensations.

Just below the Torre Alfina Castle, an anonymous hidden lane leads into the Sasseto Monumental Forest, a unique jewel of forest diversity throughout the Lazio region. The gardens and forest paths were designed at the end of the 19th century by the French architects Henry and Achille Duchêne, creating the historical garden of the Torre Alfina Castle.

Table of contents:
  1. The origins and formation of the forest
  2. Enchanted trails and biodiversity
  3. Fairies and fantasy settings
  4. Guided tours of the Sasseto Woods

History and Formation of the Sasseto Forest

The name Bosco del Sasseto is due to the many lava boulders that originated, around 820,000 years ago, from a volcanic cliff of the oldest volcano in Latiumwhose eruptive mouth was located in the area of the present-day castle. Thanks to the quality of the soil, trees grew on this slope and among the boulders that later became centuries old, creating a plant and animal biodiversity which in 2006 led to the forest becoming Natural Monument of the Region of Lazio. The Bosco del Sasseto is still today a unicum with the historic garden of the Torre Alfina Castle, strongly desired by the Marquis Edward Cahen d'Anvers and chosen by him as his burial place.

Emotional Journey through Enchanted Paths

And then you enter the Bosco del Sasseto and are overwhelmed. Here, nature seems to dance to the rhythm of its own secret melody, creating theatmosphere of an enchanted and wonderful world. Centuries-old trees covered in ivy, the damp smell of fresh, soft moss, the scent of elder blossom. And again large hollow trunks, twisted branches that barely let the sun's rays filter through and the ancient lava flow boulders that seem to bow to our passing. A place that attracts, draws attention and strikes all our senses.

The Temple of the Fairies: a Mausoleum in the Heart of the Forest

As you move ecstatically to the rhythm of birdsong, you are surprised again by the sight of a stone monument, imposing amidst unspoilt nature. It is the gothic mausoleum of Marquis Edward Cahen, but everyone calls him the Fairy Temple. It stands majestically embraced by the green of the forest, creating a fascinating contrast between human art and natural beauty. You look around and feel part of a fantasy film. You can't help but imagine an elf or a fluttering fairy beckoning you to follow them, only to disappear soon after.

How to Visit the Sasseto Woods

To have a magical experience in the Bosco del Sasseto, it is necessary to plan ahead. The forest is can only be visited on certain dates and with an accompanying person. Experienced storytellers will tiptoe you through the history and the biodiversity of the forestrevealing secrets that only this enchanted place can offer. It is advisable to contact the Municipality of Acquapendente for up-to-date information on openings and reservations. When you visit the Bosco del Sasseto, you will feel as if you have crossed the threshold of a enchanted kingdomready to reveal its secrets to anyone willing to explore them.

in Territorio Posted by elena@enfasia.it
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