Collodi – Villa Garzoni, Pinocchio and Medieval Village

Collodi combines historic architecture, the world of Pinocchio and nature observation. This means that your stay is not focused on just one excursion destination: Collodi offers various ways to experience Tuscan culture, garden art, nature observation and an easy trekking route.

Villa Garzoni and Collodi’s Historical Side

The present-day Villa Garzoni complex dates back to a redevelopment project begun in the mid-17th century. The architect Ottaviano Diodati and the owner Romano Garzoni were involved. Behind Villa Garzoni, in a green area, stands a bright red building designed by Filippo Juvarra, which can be regarded as one of the most significant examples of Baroque architecture in Tuscany. The historic ensemble also includes the Storico Giardino Garzoni. In this garden, you will find artificial grottoes as well as theatres created from boxwood hedges. Another prominent site is the Rocca of Collodi, with a large enclosed area and several towers. One of these towers was converted into a bell tower. At the summit of the castle stands the Pieve di San Bartolomeo, which offers a remarkable panorama.

Pinocchio as a Walk-Through Story

The Parco di Pinocchio was developed between 1956 and 1987 as a theme park for children’s education. In the Paese dei Balocchi area, there are 21 bronze sculptures by Pietro Consagra. They depict characters, situations and settings from the fairy tale, giving this section a clearly recognisable artistic form. At the beginning of the tour through the Parco di Pinocchio is the MIP – Museo Interattivo di Pinocchio. There, key settings from the story can be experienced again through multimedia, interactivity and play. The Parco di Pinocchio itself also offers a route shaped by art and nature, creating the impression of a living fairy tale. In the Parco Monumentale di Pinocchio, storytelling tours, educational play-based workshops and puppet theatre performances are organised daily for visitors.

Tropical Garden and Butterfly House

The Casa delle Farfalle in Collodi provides a strong natural accent. Hundreds of tropical and equatorial butterflies live there, moving freely through a recreated, lush tropical garden. Visitors can observe every stage of development, from egg to adult butterfly. They can also compare the difference between butterflies active during the day and moths active at night. This experience complements the historic sites and Pinocchio-themed attractions with a natural-history perspective.

Village Layout, Trekking and Motorhome Stopover

Collodi has been documented as a medieval village since the 12th century. The small houses descend the steep hill in terraces. Those looking for an active addition to gardens, architecture and museums will find the Sentiero Valleriana 51 in Collodi, designated as an easy trekking route. The designation describes the stated route type; no further information on its course or duration is available here. For travellers with motorhomes, Collodi has a stopover area with five spaces. The stopover area provides water and a disposal facility. You can also explore Monte A Pescia (Monte A Pescia), Fibbialla (Fibbialla), Vellano (Vellano), Sorana (Sorana), Castelvecchio (Castelvecchio), San Quirico (San Quirico) and Aramo (Aramo) as well.

To the overarching travel overview: Pescia.

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Collodi: Accommodation and Attractions – Travelling and Staying in Tuscany (Italy).