One of the most internationally famous and beloved of all Italian characters ever created has to be Pinocchio. Created by author Carlo Collodi and featured in the 1883 book, “The Adventures of Pinocchio”, he was propelled into the spotlight on a global scale when his tale was adapted for the big screen by Disney in 1940. However, Carlo Collodi wasn’t the author’s real name but rather a nom de plume taken from his home village of Collodi in the Tuscan hills, not far from Florence.
Today, the town has been clever enough to embrace this beloved character and is dedicated to all things Pinocchio. A giant statue of the puppet-boy is visible throughout the town, little Pinocchio toys are available all over so you can bring him home with you and there is even a theme park, Pinocchio Park, dedicated to him.
If you are travelling Tuscany with kids or have nostalgic fondness for the story, just find a luxury villa in Collodi and spend a day exploring the park and town.
Today, the town has been clever enough to embrace this beloved character and is dedicated to all things Pinocchio. A giant statue of the puppet-boy is visible throughout the town, little Pinocchio toys are available all over so you can bring him home with you and there is even a theme park, Pinocchio Park, dedicated to him.
If you are travelling Tuscany with kids or have nostalgic fondness for the story, just find a luxury villa in Collodi and spend a day exploring the park and town.
Pinocchio Park was opened in 1956 and physically takes visitors through the story, following paths lined with mosaics, small buildings and statues of Pinocchio characters. When you first enter the park, you'll find a museum housing a collection of Pinocchio books in several languages and Pinocchio-themed paintings and artworks.
Once you've had a look through the museum, you can head back outside and begin the path through the tale. Along the way you will meet statues of the characters from the story including the Fox and Cat, Jiminy Cricket and the Blue-Haired Fairy.
The park also features some amusement park rides and the effect of the statues, buildings and rides makes one feel as though they've fallen right into the pages of the book, into a world of gypsy wagons, merry-go-rounds, a Fairy’s little house, a pirate ship and treasure cave and a giant fish-shaped fountain.
Once you've had a look through the museum, you can head back outside and begin the path through the tale. Along the way you will meet statues of the characters from the story including the Fox and Cat, Jiminy Cricket and the Blue-Haired Fairy.
The park also features some amusement park rides and the effect of the statues, buildings and rides makes one feel as though they've fallen right into the pages of the book, into a world of gypsy wagons, merry-go-rounds, a Fairy’s little house, a pirate ship and treasure cave and a giant fish-shaped fountain.
The park also has a snack bar, picnic area and gift shop. A puppet show is performed every day in the theatre near the entrance (in Italian only) at 12 and 4 pm and there’s also a crafts laboratory for children, where they can draw, paint and make their own Pinocchio hat and long nose.
On May 24th, the village of Collodi celebrates Pinocchio’s birthday and visiting on that day is particularly exciting and a real party for kids!
If you are looking for an activity to please the kids on your next trip to Tuscany, keep this one in mind!
On May 24th, the village of Collodi celebrates Pinocchio’s birthday and visiting on that day is particularly exciting and a real party for kids!
If you are looking for an activity to please the kids on your next trip to Tuscany, keep this one in mind!
Photo credits
Picture 1: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 2: Sonia Fantoli / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 3: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 1: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 2: Sonia Fantoli / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 3: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0
