newesttraveler

While doing research for an upcomming trip to Rome, I came across a picture of a house whith stone work around the entry way made to resemble a monster's face with the door set in the monster's mouth. The picture was labeled Rome's Monster House, but there was no other information provided.

Does anyone know the address of this house? This picture made me laugh and I think my teenagers would get a kick out of seeing it in person.

Thanks!

indytravel

I saw this in '94. It's on one of the streets between the top of the Spanish Steps as you walk over towards the Trevi Fountain area, I think. Sorry so vague, but it's been a long time.

Funny thing is I found it 'cause it was one of 5 or 6 off-the-beaten-path places listed on a Rome McDonald's placemat.

KT

Good memory, indytravel. It's the Palazzo della Maschera Grottesca (Palazzo of the Grotsque Mask), on via Gregoriana, which runs south from the top of the Spanish steps.

ParadiseLost

I pulled this up in a quick search http://www.fotosearch.com/corel/port...taly/CPH188/2/
Indy is right it is over by the Spanish Steps on Via Gregoriana, should be easy to find that street only ~250m long.
And I'll be checkin' it out on my next trip .
Regards, Walter

Sally

How old is this house?

newesttraveler

Thanks Walter, I found the street on my map and will add this stop to our visit.

I must say, the collective knowledge available on this board is amazing! I ask a question about an obscure little house, and in less than an hour I have three responses that allow me pinpoint its location.

You guys are great!

BATUFFOLINA

Hm...from your description that made me think of the monster house in BOMARZO park which is near Viterbo... Have a look at the picture on this site I have found in order to see if it matches the picture you saw. Bomarzo is a park that can be visited in a day trip from Rome. It is nearer Viterbo and it has huge stone statues of mermaids, dragons, and a weird leaning house that makes you feel dizzy when you get into it. I visited the park when I was at the first grade and I still remember it as a funny and beautiful palce.
http://cyberitalian.com/html/gal_36.htm

melyssahb

I know this answer is coming way after the question was asked, but if anyone else needs to know, it's near the Spanish Steps, at Via Gregoriana 28, is the Palazzo della Maschera Grottesca, a 16th century palace that boasts the face of demon as part of its façade. While visitors are not permitted inside the palace, they can stand outside and marvel at the menacing monster mouth that makes up the doorway.