Signora Sheila

The enchanting story of Pinocchio, written in 1881 by Carlo Lorenzini Collodi, is an Italian children’s classic that is still loved today. Not only in Italy, but all over the world! And since February 23rd is Pinocchio Day, I thought it would be a good time to introduce you to Italy’s little-known Pinocchio theme park!

But perhaps you don’t know the story of Pinocchio, so let me explain a little. Pinocchio was a little boy created by a lonely old woodcarver named Geppetto. That’s right, Geppetto made his own little boy! You see, Pinocchio started out as a little wooden marionette.

But there must have been some magic in that wood or in the little house where they lived. For Pinocchio soon became a real live, albeit naughty little boy, well known for his long nose, which grew every time he told a lie! And because he wouldn’t stop lying, it got longer and longer. And his lies got him into more and more trouble.

But I don’t want to spoil the story for you. Suffice it to say that it’s a charming tale, where anything can and does happen! Find out for yourself by reading the book or watching the film.

Pinocchio Park

The same charm of the fairy tale seems to inhabit Pinocchio Park that is dedicated to Pinocchio himself. It’s a magical place, inhabited by Pinocchio’s friends (and enemies) such as the Fox and the Cat, the Green Fisherman, the 4 Rabbits, the dogfish shark, the talking cricket, and other characters from the novel.

But in keeping with the slower pace of life in Italy, this delightful park is not your typical amusement park with special effects or high-tech attractions. It’s an old-fashioned place, like a step back in time. Back to a time when children’s imaginations were given free reign and their creativity could soar.

An interactive, hands-on park for children

Pinocchio Park is an especially fun place for kids, because they have special workshops, carousels, and a giant life-size chess game.

You’ll find play and learn workshops and an interactive museum where your kids can reconstruct the fairy tale. Plus adventure courses complete with ziplines, a pirate ship, and a castle made of climbing ropes.

You can even walk right into the giant shark! But watch out, those teeth look pretty sharp, and just like the whale in the Disney movie of Pinocchio, he blows his top from time to time! Climb to the top, inside the whale’s belly, and get a bird’s eye view of the whole park!

Pinocchio Park is a great stop to add to your itinerary, especially if you’re traveling with children, because let’s face it, most little ones don’t enjoy art museums. But everyone, young and old, will enjoy this nostalgic journey through Pinocchio Land plus a break at one of the restaurants, bars or cafes. Or picnic in the park’s picnic area!

And if you go there on May 25th, you can help celebrate Pinocchio’s birthday. For both the park and the village of Collodi hold a large celebration every year. This year he’ll be 142 years old!

Other attractions

So visit Pinocchio Park, where you can step right into the belly of a whale! And check out all the other great attractions too!

🦋 The Collodi Butterfly House
This butterfly house is inhabited by hundreds of large and colorful tropical butterflies that freely fly about in the lush garden full of plants, flowers, and fruit. Here you can learn all about butterflies and moths, and observe their stages of development from egg to butterfly.

🪴 The Garzoni Historical Garden
The nearby Garzoni garden climbs the steep slope next to the 17th century Villa Garzoni, where you’ll find beauty or historical statues at every twist and turn. At the top, you’ll find the large and stately villa with its dramatic double staircase, known as “the villa with a hundred windows.” It’s an imposing garden that took 170 years to complete and was the envy of princes and kings. Even Napoleon is said to have stayed on the first floor of the villa.

🏰 The village of Collodi
This 12th century medieval village is known for its connection to the author of The Adventures of Pinocchio. The Florence-born author, Carlo Lorenzini Collodi, spent part of his childhood in the village, and adopted its name as his pen name. Take a stroll through this quaint and quiet hillside village where you’ll be amazed by its historic beauty!

But don’t just read about the park, visit it! Just head to the village of Collodi near Pescia,  in Tuscany. Or take a virtual tour of the park by watching the video below.

Hours vary depending on the season. It’s free for children under age 3. Learn more here.

📷 Image credits: pinocchio; giant fish by Sailko