Tuscany often evokes the charm of Florence or Siena for many travelers, but beyond these famous cities, it hides treasures waiting to be discovered. I now recommend a lesser-known but truly special destination that is home to one of the world’s most beloved fairy tales: Collodi. This charming Tuscan village and the nearby Pinocchio Park are both fascinating and experience-rich travel destinations that are well worth exploring.
Collodi – The Birthplace of a Fairy Tale
Carlo Collodi, the creator of Pinocchio, was actually born as Carlo Lorenzini, but he took his pen name from a family estate where he spent his childhood. The story he wrote is a timeless tale, deeply rooted in the charm of Tuscany, its local culture, and traditions.
At the Collodi Park, the story’s characters come to life before your eyes: the puppet Pinocchio, Master Geppetto, the Blue Fairy, and many others. This park is not a modern amusement park, but rather an elegant, nostalgic place where preserving the classic story and honoring Italian culture take center stage. At the same time, part of the park includes interactive elements designed with today’s children in mind, allowing younger visitors to actively connect with the story and the magical world it portrays. This makes the Collodi Park an ideal Tuscany travel destination for families, as well as for nostalgic adults who wish to reclaim a piece of their childhood.
More Than a Fairy Tale – Butterfly House and Tuscan Treasures
Collodi doesn’t just take you into the world of fairy tales—it also leads you into the wonders of nature. In the enchanting garden of Villa Garzoni, you’ll find the famous Butterfly House, where tropical butterflies fly freely, all in the heart of Tuscany—not on some faraway exotic island. This unique location is not only visually stunning, but also educational: you can observe the life cycle of butterflies and gain insight into the complex workings of nature and wildlife.
Nearby, the Church of San Bartolomeo and the historic buildings of Villa Garzoni further enrich the experience. A visit to Collodi offers more than just a themed park—it opens up a gateway to the cultural and natural treasures of Tuscany.
Villa Garzoni and the Historic Garden – The Heart of Tuscan Elegance
After immersing yourself in Pinocchio’s world and admiring the free-flying butterflies in the lush tropical garden of the Butterfly House, don’t miss the imposing baroque garden of Villa Garzoni—this park is truly the jewel of Collodi.
Walk along the gently sloping paths of the garden, among cascading waterfalls and symmetrical hedge mazes. Each turn reveals a new vista: antique statues, fountains, colorful flowerbeds, and the most striking feature of the garden—the Grotto of Neptune, a mysterious masterpiece adorned with sculptures and accompanied by a waterfall. This unique section is one of the finest examples of baroque garden design in Tuscany.
From the upper part of the garden, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of Collodi village and the surrounding Tuscan hills. If you love nature, photography spots, and historical atmosphere, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in one place. The Villa Garzoni Garden is not only beautiful—it’s a peaceful haven, a soul-touching experience that stays with you for days.
Why Follow Pinocchio’s Footsteps in Tuscany?
Pinocchio’s story carries universal lessons: honesty, courage, and perseverance are values that resonate with us all. These messages strike a deeper chord when you visit the very place where the tale was born, where the author’s childhood memories still linger.
Collodi is not just a village nestled in the Tuscan hills—it’s a storybook destination, where both children and adults can rediscover the power of imagination. The nostalgic charm of the Pinocchio Park, the colorful wonders of the Butterfly House, and the baroque elegance of Villa Garzoni together create a unique, almost timeless world.
If you’re seeking something truly different, a more intimate yet visually rich adventure in Tuscany, it’s worth leaving the well-trodden tourist paths and diving into this hidden gem. Collodi reminds us that the fairy tale lives within us—you just have to find the places where it comes alive again.