Gardens of Bomarzo, Viterbo province, northern Italy 28 Nov 2017
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To visit the Gardens of Bomarzo in Viterbo province, northern Italy, is to enter a Manneristic world of giant sculptures of monsters, animals and mythical beasts. The gardens were built in the 16th century by Pier Francesco Orsini, a condottierro (military leader) and patron of the arts. They consist of grotesque sculptures and small buildings, located amongst the natural vegetation, that were built not to please but to shock and astonish. As with most Mannerist works of art, the symbolism and meaning of many of the sculptures is unclear, adding to the surreal and chaotic feeling of the gardens. Add a stop to Viterbo province to any of Insight Guides' trips to Italy.
This article was originally published on April 5, 2016
