A Surreal Stroll in Friulane: Unveiling the Mysteries of Bomarzo

The summer sun in Italy, though beautiful, can be intense. So, when a break from the dazzling beaches of the too crowded cities presents itself, the idea of a day trip to explore a different kind of Italian wonder is a must.

Our today destination? The enigmatic Garden of Bomarzo, also known as the Parco dei Mostri (Park of Monsters), nestled in the Lazio region, not too far from Rome.

And what better footwear for a day of whimsical exploration than wearing trusty Friulane shoes?

For those unfamiliar, Friulane shoes are a revelation. These traditional so called Venetian slippers, but still handmade in Friuli region, are the epitome of understated chic and comfort, with their soft velvet and bicycle tire sole.

They whisper "effortless elegance" while silently screaming "I can walk for miles!" – a perfect combination for a garden known for its unexpected twists and turns.

While you journeyed inland, the landscape gradually shifting from coastal scrub to rolling hills dotted with olive groves. As we approach Bomarzo, a sense of anticipation grew. This isn't going to be your manicured, symmetrical Renaissance garden. This is something altogether different.

Stepping into the Garden of Bomarzo is like entering a dream – or perhaps a wonderfully bizarre nightmare. Giant, moss-covered sculptures emerge from the landscape, seemingly at random, each one more fantastical than the last.

Your Friulane, with their soft soles, made for the perfect companion as you pad silently along the winding paths, the velvet absorbing the slight unevenness of the ancient terrain.

We encountered the gaping mouth of the Ogre, its inscription urging us to "walk through," and we obliged, feeling the cool air within its stone maw. Your Mary Jane  offers a surprisingly good grip on the slightly damp stone as we venture inside. 

Then there is the tilting house, an architectural marvel that plays tricks on your equilibrium. Inside, my feet, usually so grounded, feel as if they were performing a silent, involuntary dance, a testament to the house's disorienting design.

You will marvel at Hercules tearing Cacus apart, the whimsical elephant with a castle on its back, and the monumental turtle. Each discovery is met with gasps of surprise and quiet contemplation.

The beauty of the Friulane here was their unobtrusiveness; they allow to fully immerse yourself in the experience without any thought of discomfort. No pinching, no rubbing, just pure, unadulterated exploration.

The true magic of Bomarzo, much like the subtle charm of comfy travel flats, lies in its unconventional nature. It challenges expectations, inviting you to embrace the surreal. There’s a certain freedom in letting go of conventional beauty and allowing yourself to be enchanted by the grotesque, the mysterious, and the utterly unique.

Leaving Bomarzo, you will feel a renewed appreciation for both unexpected beauty and the simple pleasure of comfortable, stylish women footwear. The Garden of Bomarzo is a testament to imagination run wild, and Friulane are the perfect silent partners on this wonderfully weird adventure.

If you ever find yourself in Italy, do yourself a favor: visit Bomarzo, and do it in Friulane. Your feet (and your soul) will thank you.