Bomarzo Monster Park from Rome: how to get there, opening hours and what to see

Updated on October 8, 2026

About 100 km north of Rome, in the province of Viterbo, the Sacro Bosco of Bomarzo, better known as the "Park of the Monsters", is a Renaissance garden filled with giant sculptures carved from the rock: an ogre with an open mouth, giants locked in combat, a leaning house, sphinxes. It was created in the 16th century for Prince Pier Francesco Orsini, known as Vicino Orsini, not to please but to astonish. The place fell into oblivion before being rediscovered in the 20th century. Allow an hour and a half to two hours for a visit through hilly woodland. The park is privately run: prices and opening hours are published on the official website (sacrobosco.eu), where you can also buy tickets online. The sources we compared do not all give the same ticket price, so we do not quote one: check it before you go.

Highlights

The Mouth of Orcus

The park's most famous sculpture: a monstrous face whose open mouth is the entrance to a small chamber. An inscription carved above the lip, "Ogni pensiero vola" (every thought flies), is one of the garden's mottos. You can step into the mouth and sit at the table inside.

The herms

A row of columns topped with carved faces beside one of the paths, among the first elements of the route.

The paths through the woods

Trails wind under the trees, with steps, slopes and terraces. The woods are part of the effect: statues appear suddenly around a bend.

The leaning house

A small pavilion deliberately tilted: the visit gives a slight sense of vertigo, and that is intended. The floor slopes, so stay alert with children.

Pegasus, the giants and the dragon

Among the most spectacular scenes: two giants fighting, a dragon attacked by lions, a Pegasus. The works are carved from blocks of volcanic stone left in place.

Practical info

Tips

There is no direct public transport from Rome: the simplest option is a car (about 1 h 15 to 1 h 30 on the A1 motorway, Attigliano exit, then a few kilometres), with parking nearby; otherwise, a regional train to Attigliano-Bomarzo station (Rome–Orte line) and then a taxi, but check Trenitalia timetables, which are limited. The park has few facilities: bring water, wear sturdy shoes (sloping, sometimes damp paths) and avoid a pushchair. For family outings, see also Rome with children. To combine with another trip in the area, look at our guide to day trips from Rome, Civita di Bagnoregio or Orvieto. Information checked in October 2026; confirm the day's hours with the park (+39 0761 924029).

How to get there

Località Giardino, 01020 Bomarzo (VT). By car: A1, Attigliano exit, about 100 km from Rome. By public transport: train to Attigliano-Bomarzo then taxi (see Astuces). For driving in Rome before you leave, see driving in Rome and the ZTL.