Official Information
Official site: https://www.sacrobosco.eu/
Online Tickets: https://prenotazioni.sacrobosco.eu/
Address: Località Giardino, 01020 Bomarzo (VT), Italy
Map: View on Google Maps
Opening Hours
Open every day of the year with continuous hours, typically from 09:00 until late afternoon. Closing time shifts seasonally (earlier in winter, later in summer). Last admission is usually about one hour before closing. Check the official calendar for exact hours on your date.
The Parco dei Mostri di Bomarzo, also known as Sacro Bosco (Sacred Wood), is one of Italy’s most intriguing Renaissance gardens. It features a wooded valley filled with gigantic stone monsters, mythological figures, and tilted buildings. Created in the 16th century for Prince Pier Francesco Orsini, the park was designed as a place to “unburden a broken heart” after the death of his wife. Unlike the orderly geometry of typical Italian gardens, Bomarzo is intentionally disorienting: paths wind past a leaning house, a gaping Orcus mouth with the inscription “Every thought flies,” dragons, giants, and strange architectural fragments. Many sculptures are carved directly from native volcanic rock, their moss-covered shapes blending into the forest. Inscriptions and symbolic features have inspired centuries of speculation about the garden’s hidden meanings, ranging from alchemical journeys to political satire.
For modern visitors, the main appeal is the unique atmosphere: slightly eerie, playful, and unlike anywhere else in Italy. Children love the giant figures and optical illusions, while adults appreciate the historical context and photo opportunities. Visits are self-guided. A paid ticket gives access to the park’s paths, which you can explore following a suggested route or freely wandering; most visits last 1.5 to 2 hours. Basic facilities-including a café, toilets, and a small gift shop-are located near the entrance, but once inside the wood the experience is surprisingly wild. The park is almost entirely outdoors and partially shaded, making it pleasant from spring through autumn; in winter it is atmospheric but can be muddy, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Tickets and opening times are available on the official website, and same-day visits are generally possible except during peak holiday weekends. Bomarzo is located in northern Lazio, within day-trip range of Rome, Orvieto, or Viterbo, and makes an offbeat but fascinating stop between the better-known cities of central Italy.