We were impressed with the unique sightseeing opportunities we encountered in the various hill towns of Lazio. While we love to visit a well-designed museum, this was not a museum trip, which was a nice change. This trip gave us the chance to see art and history in a different light, and we really enjoyed these quirky places that were off the beaten path.
At the Sacro Bosco, aka the Park of Monsters, located on the outskirts of Bomarzo, we stepped into a 16th century forest hideaway for those looking to escape the mundane and retreat into a world of fantasy strolling through 40 stone creations.
The park was commissioned by Vicino Orsini after his wife died to cope with his grief. Based on the fantastical creatures included, his anguish was deep.
Not every statue was a monstrosity. Some were abstract, including this leaning house:
Others seemed to borrow from myths and foreign cultures:
Even today, Orsini’s goal was achieved: it was easy to imagine you were in another world as you ambled through the park.
Just as fascinating were the murals in Sant’Angelo di Roccalvecce, a hamlet of 100 residents who live in a fairy tale world – literally. In an effort to save their dying town, a group commissioned female street artists to paint murals based on fairy tales and stories.
The project, conceived in 2016 and started in 2017 with Alice in Wonderland themed works, now includes 36 murals strewn throughout the little village’s alleys and lanes. The endeavor was entirely self-funded and put the village back on the map.
It was highly entertaining to wander through the empty streets, looking around corners for the next mural. But we’re not sure if the project really “saved” the town from the fate many of these lowly populated hill towns face.
Finally, we stopped at one of Italy’s Big Benches – a community project designed to evoke a childlike feeling of wonder in public places.
Placed in spaces with panoramic views, the benches are simple and fun. When we pulled up, a local family was having lunch on the bench, but they kindly let us snap our photos. There are over 450 benches, mostly in Italy.
More hill town adventures to come soon,
Shana & Jeff
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