Collodi is a small, historic village in Tuscany, with an unmistakable character. It literally "climbs" up a steep hillside. the narrow stone streets, the terraced houses and the views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside give it a special charm. It was here that the author of the famous Pinocchio spent his childhood, and to this day Collodi still has a fairytale atmosphere.
Just a few steps from the fairytale Pinocchio Park is another exceptional place - Villa Garzoni with its famous Baroque garden. This historic villa with its large park is one of the most beautiful garden complexes in Italy.italy and is the ideal destination for lovers of architecture, greenery and quiet romantic walks.
The garden dates back to the first half of the 17th century. it is a beautiful example of the so-called "Italian garden" - full of symmetry, ornamental motifs, water features and classical sculptures. From 1633 it was gradually built by the influential Garzoni family, one of the most important families in the region.
The garden is laid out in several terraces linked by ornamental staircases, stone paths and water cascades. On the way up, you will pass ornate fountains, ponds, statues of mythological figures and small architectural pavilions. Everything is designed with a perfect sense of harmony and views - the garden offers beautiful panoramic views of the town of Collodi and the Tuscan hills.
One of the most impressive features is the monumental cascade with a waterfall, located on the axis of the main staircase. Here, water flows down over artificial rocks and terraces, right into the heart of the garden. In addition, there is a Bamboo Grove, a Green Theatre made up of hedges, and a Labyrinth that will delight children in particular.
The garden is also home to many types of plants - in addition to the typical Mediterranean cypress and olive trees, there are also exotic trees, palms, citrus trees, flowering shrubs and flowers of different colours depending on the season.
The complex also includes the Casa delle Farfalle - Butterfly House. It is a large tropical greenhouse in which dozens of species of exotic butterflies from Asia, Africa and America fly. The greenhouse is designed like a small rainforest - warm, humid and full of plants that butterflies love. Inside, you can walk among palm trees, banana trees or orchids while watching butterflies being born, feeding and flitting around freely. A visit to this place is peaceful, magical and very popular even with young children.
The interiors of the Villa Garzoni itself, which dominates the whole site, are not normally open to the public, but its exterior adds to the overall monumentality of the place. The villa is dignified and elegant, recalling the days when it was the venue for the festivities of the nobility and cultural events for select society.
