Back in February, CEA Rome took us on a day trip to the Park of Monsters in Bomarzo and the Gallese Resturant and Orchard. We spent a beautiful day out in the countryside trekking through a villa garden (which was more like living museum full of colossal stone artwork), feasting on fried veggies and meatballs, and wandering around an orchard under the late afternoon sun. Please enjoy this little photo tour of our trip!

The Orsini Villa, home to the man who commissioned the Park of Monsters.





Here you can see the entryway (above, left) and some of the magnificent stone pieces which decorate the gardens.


 Yes, the tower (lower, left) is leaning much like the tower in Pisa. The garden also includes a small octagonal temple (lower, right) which the way dedicated to Orsini's wife, Giulia Farnese.




 One the way (above) and finally arriving (below) at the restaurant and orchards at Gallese.




 After a delicious four course meal, we spent a few hours wandering in the orchards and lounging in the grass enjoying our time outside the busy city. We were pleasantly surprised by the owner's huge dog who spent the entire afternoon with our group.

By Caitlin Smith
University of Maryland, Baltimore County