The enchanting story of Pinocchio, written in 1881 by Carlo Lorenzini, is a beloved children’s classic. Not only in Italy, but all over the world! Since February 23rd is Pinocchio Day, I thought it would be a good time to introduce you to one of Italy’s lesser-known theme parks: The Pinocchio Theme Park!
However, some may not be familiar with “The Adventures of Pinocchio,” so I’ll provide a brief summary. Pinocchio was a ‘little boy’ created by a lonely old woodcarver named Geppetto. That’s right, Geppetto made his own little boy — even though he started out as a little wooden marionette.
However, there must have been some magic in that wood or in their little house. Pinocchio soon became a real living, albeit naughty little boy, well known for his long nose, which grew whenever he told a lie! His nose got longer and longer because he wouldn’t stop lying, even though it constantly got him into trouble!
But I don’t want to spoil the story for you! All I’ll say is that it’s a charming tale, where anything can and does happen! Watch the film to find out for yourself. Alternatively, download a free PDF of “The Adventures of Pinocchio” by visiting the Carlo Collodi Foundation website.
Pinocchio Park
The same charm that inhabits the fairy tale seems to pervade Pinocchio Park, which is dedicated to the famous puppet himself! Visitors to this magical place can also meet Pinocchio’s friends and foes, including colorful characters such as the Fox, the Cat, the Green Fisherman, the Four Rabbits, the Dogfish Shark, and the Talking Cricket.
However, 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. This old-fashioned place, built as a pathway of surprises, is like taking a step back in time. It’s a place where children’s imaginations can run wild and their creativity can soar.
An interactive, hands-on park
Pinocchio Park is a particularly popular place for kids, because they have special workshops, carousels, and a giant life-size chess game.
There are also play-and-learn workshops and an interactive museum where children can recreate the fairy tale. Kids will also enjoy adventure activities such as ziplines, a pirate ship, and a castle made of climbing ropes.
They can even walk right into the giant shark. Climb to the top, inside the whale’s belly, for a bird’s-eye view of the whole park! But watch out, those teeth look pretty sharp! And just like the whale in Disney’s Pinocchio movie, he blows his top from time to time!
Pinocchio Park is a great addition to any itinerary. It’s particularly if you’re traveling with children, because let’s face it, most little ones don’t enjoy art museums. However, everyone, young and old, will enjoy this nostalgic journey through Pinocchio Land. Plus, you can enjoy a lunch break at one of the restaurants, bars or cafés, or in the park’s picnic area!
If you visit on May 25th, you can even help celebrate Pinocchio’s birthday! Both the park and the village of Collodi hold a big celebration every year. This year he’ll be 142 years old!
Other attractions
Pinocchio Park is truly a magical experience. But be sure to check out all the other great attractions too!
🦋 The Collodi Butterfly House
This butterfly house is home to hundreds of large and colorful tropical butterflies that freely fly around the lush garden which is 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 Garzoni Garden, located near the 17th-century Villa Garzoni, extends along a steep slope. For centuries, it has attracted princes, scholars, and gardening enthusiasts. In addition to a wide variety of plants, the park is home to numerous historic statues and an impressive 18th-century hydraulic system that powers special water features, fountains, and waterfalls. Cool, refreshing paths lead to charming corners such as the Labyrinth, the Water Staircase, and the Baths, with pools of all shapes and sizes.
Construction of this imposing garden took 170 years and it was the envy of princes and kings alike. At the top sits the large, stately Villa Garzoni, also known as the ‘the villa with a hundred windows’, which features a dramatic double staircase. It is even said that Napoleon stayed on the first floor.
🏰 The village of Collodi
This medieval village dates back to the 12th century and is known for its connection to Carlo Lorenzini Collodi, the author of “The Adventures of Pinocchio”. Although Lorenzini was born in Florence, he spent much of his childhood in Collodi, his mother’s native village. He later adopted its name as his pen name. Take a stroll through this quiet and charming village that “looks like a waterfall of small houses that climb the steep-sloped hill”!
Instead of just reading about the park, why not visit it!? Head to the village of Collodi near Pescia in Tuscany. Alternatively, take a virtual tour of the park by watching the video at the end of this post.
Park hours vary depending on the season. Entry is free for children under 3 years old. Discover more by visiting discovertuscany.com.
📷 Image credits: pinocchio; giant fish by Sailko.
Sounds like loads of fun!!😄
It does! And ideas for vacationing with kids can be helpful!