Visit to the park of monsters: the mythology and esotericism that frightens man

In a park of conifers, a protected area, stands a curious gathering of atypical sculptures, whose subjects are mythological monsters, mysterious animals and anomalous sculptures: welcome to the park of monsters!

Portal

The ogre

Etruscan bench

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Honestly, it's the first time I've visited a similar park, but I was very intrigued by seeing some images online. In fact it seems a bit like being in an Indiana Jones movie, suddenly some native could appear from behind some bush with a poisoned bow and arrow. The walk is very pleasant in the woods, far from the noise of the city and the air is truly pure.

Nymphaeum

Pegaso Fountain

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The entrance to the park requires a tourist guide who explains in detail the meaning of the stone monuments, basalt to be exact, very abundant in the area in which we find ourselves. The park was designed and built around 1550 AD, the ruler seems to have been a fan of Renaissance literature but there are also symbols that recall some alchemical nuances. However, it is difficult to establish a continuous common element, probably dealing with sculptures added over time and made by different people.

Sphinx 1

Sphinx 2

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Walking among monstrous sculptures in a silent forest is quite atmospheric. Sometimes the statues seem to observe you from the top of their eyes and no movement of mine seems to escape their attention. Along the path, in addition to statues with ominous expressions, there are also other installations such as fountains, temples and some walls.

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The entrance to the park is made up of two sphinxes, a woman's body and a lion's bust, two monstrous creatures who welcome visitors and somehow admonish them to be fearful and respectful of the place where we are. Two park rangers to be reckoned with. The walk is decidedly pleasant, also thanks to the sunny weather and the not too cold climate. Along the way there are benches where you can rest and admire the stone works present here more closely.

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Fascinating is the representation of the elephant carrying a tower on its back and holding a Roman soldier in its trunk. In fact, it seems that the dedication is to Hannibal, an African warrior so feared by the Romans. Another frightening and captivating statue is the ogre, a large face carved in stone, crossing the monster's mouth you enter a room with a table and two benches. My voice echoes between its walls, creating a little reassuring effect, finding myself in the mouth of the monster. It is certainly the scariest sculpture in the park!

Sleeping Nymph

Neptune

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The monster park is certainly a place to visit, very curious and anomalous but surprisingly pleasant and very instructive. We have learned a lot from the often mythological story of the deities or creatures they represent. Appearances are often deceiving, and monsters are actually representations of our fears. Not all creatures unknown to us are hostile. We must not be afraid of appearances but we must sit down and know a little more who we are facing before judging.