It is the fief of the Orsini family whose castle is at the edge of the town.
The castle's gardens were created by Vicino Orsini, the Duke of Bomarzo, who was born in 1528 and lived until 1588. He was a patron of the arts and devoted his life to the happiness of his wife Julia Farnese. After her death, he was spurred on to create the gardens, naming them Bosco Sacro, the Sacred Grove or Bosco dei Monstri, the Monsters' grove.
He called upon Pirro Ligorio to design the gardens, one of the greatest landscapers and architects of his time.
Salvador Dali has discussed this garden at great length.