Nestled in the hills of Pistoia, Collodi is an ancient medieval village that seems straight out of a fairy tale. The historic center, known as “Collodi Castello,” winds down in a picturesque cascade of stone houses that descend steeply toward the majestic Villa Garzoni.
The town’s worldwide fame is linked to Carlo Lorenzini, author of Pinocchiowho chose “Collodi” as a pseudonym in honor of his mother’s hometown. Historically, the village was established as a military fortress in the 12th century, due to its strategic border location.
The Pinocchio Park
At the heart of this heritage is the Pinocchio Park, inaugurated in 1956. It is not an ordinary amusement park, but a contemporary art path where sculptures, mosaics, and architectural works by great artists (such as Emilio Greco and Venturino Venturi) recount the key episodes of the novel. Walking through the Maze, the Pirate’s Cave, and the gigantic Shark, visitors experience an immersive journey into the tale, blending playful, artistic, and educational aspects.
Villa Garzoni and its Enchanted Garden
Next to the puppet’s fantasy stands the Baroque magnificence of Villa GarzoniAlso known as “the Villa of a Hundred Windows,” it is an imposing building that overlooks the village from above. However, the true gem is its Historic Garden, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. It develops on a steep slope with a scenic system of staircases, waterfalls, statues of mythological deities, and geometrically shaped hedges. The precision of the terraces and the play of perspectives create a perfect contrast between the order of human art and the lush Tuscan nature.
The Butterfly House
Within the complex is also the Collodi Butterfly House, a lush tropical greenhouse where hundreds of butterflies from around the world fly freely in a perfectly recreated ecosystem.
Collodi thus represents a unique combination: the universal literature of Pinocchio intertwines with the aristocratic elegance of the Garzoni family, making this village an essential stop for anyone wishing to explore the magical and historical soul of the Valdinievole.
For more information: http://collodi.com
