Collodi, the hilltop village and the Pinocchio’s park
We cannot talk about Collodi without thinking of the Carlo Collodi’s novel The adventures of Pinocchio. The real name of Carlo Collodi was Carlo Lorenzini but he decised to use the surname “Collodi” because he had lived part of his childhood here and most of all because his mother was born in Collodi.
The adventures odi Pinocchio were published for the first time in 1883. Than, this story was translated and distributed around the world, creating a global phenomenon that still today brings numerous visitors fascinated by the world and the adventures of the most famous and beloved puppet.
Once you get to this small town, you’ll notice many details referring to Pinocchio as the huge wooden statue (16 metres tall), erected in 2009 near the park about the “long nose puppet”.
Collodi, that today is part of the municipality of Pescia in province of Pistoia, was born as a castle during the Middle Ages, probably at the end of the 12th century. Even today, this small town il borgo retains its historic urban structure that develop along the side of a hill characterised by a steep slope; the gap between the highest houses and the large villa Garzoni located at the foot of the village, is very impressive!
Things to do in Collodi, main places to visit
- Chiesa di San Bartolomeo
- Villa Garzoni
- Garden of Villa Garzoni and Collodi Butterfly House
- Parco di Pinocchio
Chiesa di San Bartolomeo
Among the many things to do in Collodi, there is for sure a stroll through the narrow streets of the medieval center where you can visit the Chiesa di San Bartolomeo. You might see its bell tower towering on the roofs even from afar. This romanesque church dates back the 12th century even if it was remodeled many times over the centuries. Inside are preserved a painting, Madonna in trono e Santi (XVI secolo), a wooden sculpture, Vergine col Bambino (XV secolo), and a 17th century Cross by Santi Guglielmi.
Villa Garzoni
Down in the Valley, at the end of the village, there is the spectacular Villa Garzoni. Built in baroque style between 1633 and 1662, this villa has inside may art works as the Angelo Michele Colonna’s frescoes, many other paintings and high quality furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries.
This awesome mansion spettacolare complesso di Villa Garzoni is completed by the “palazzina d’estate” and the magnificent garden located just below.
The garden of villa Garzoni and the Casa delle Farfalle
The elegant garden of villa Garzoni was built between the 17th and the 18th century. This is a masterpiece of its kind, with a series of flower beds, staircases, terraces, statuary, ponds and water features that follow each other in a continuous climb.
In 2007 the garden was enriched with the Collodi Butterfly House, a large glass greenhouse where was recreated an environment in which live several dozen butterflies from Equatorial or tropical areas.
Opening hours:
1-25 March: 9.00-18.30
26 March – 23 September: 9.00-20.00
24 September – 28 October: 9.00-19.00
29 October – 4 November: 9.00-17.30
Between november and march you can visit the garden and the butterfly house on reservation
Tickets: regular 10 euro, reduced 8 euro, kids 3 – 5 years 6 euro, free untill 3 years
Parco di Pinocchio
Created between 1956 and 1987, the Parco di Pinocchio is the most famous point of interest of this small tuscan town. Definitely less futuristic than other newer theme parks, the Pinocchio Park retains its charm able to bewitch the younger visitors. Walking inside the Park you will encounter various characters of the tale, reproduced by means of bronze statues, as the Fairy with Turquoise Hair, the Talking Cricket, Geppetto, the Fox and the Cat and many others…
Inside the park there are also the Biblioteca Virtuale di Pinocchio, a museum, the Osteria del Gambero Rosso, educational workshops and some playgrounds.
Opening hours:
1-25 March: 9.00-18.30
26 March – 23 September: 9.00-20.00
24 September – 28 October: 9.00-19.00
29 October – 4 November: 9.00-17.30
Between november and march you can visit the garden and the butterfly house on reservation
Tickets: regular 13 euro, reduced 11 euro, kids 3 – 5 years 7 euro, free until 3 years
Cumulative ticket (Parco di Pinocchio + Garden and Butterfly House): regular 22, reduced 20, kids 3 – 5 years 12 euro
For more informations, please visit the official web site.
How to get to Collodi
By car:
From Florence and Pistoia: A11 highway till the exit Chiesina Uzzanese, then get to Pescia and to Collodi.
From Lucca: Via Pesciatina till destination.
Both from Lucca and Pescia, there are busses to get to Collodi.
By train and bus: with the train you can reach Pescia, from there you have to take the bus E06 by Vaibus
