Bomarzo

Located near Bomarzo, at the bottom of a valley composed of enormous volcanic rocks, it houses one of the most unique gardens that architectural history has ever known. Enormous statues carved from peperino stone, pagan gods, vases as large as elephants, incredible leaning structures, exotic animals, sphinxes, dragons and a frightening mask with its mouth open. The garden, commissioned by Prince Pier Francesco Orsini (1545-1585), was created in the culture and style of late Renaissance Mannerism. Its monsters, giants and scenic representations are a prelude to the Baroque.