Collodi, visita al Parco di Pinocchio

Opened in 1956, within a large green area near the characteristic village, this park has wanted to be since the beginning not just a simple place of fun, but also a great collective work of artists with strong personalities. The charm of the visit path, scattered with mosaics, sculptures, curious installations, comes precisely from the perfect fusion between art and nature; its winding route and dense vegetation make each stop a surprise, absolutely unexpected. Here then, shortly after the entrance, the imposing Pinocchio and the Fairy, the 5-meter tall bronze sculpture by Emilio Greco, which summarizes the puppet’s journey and his metamorphosis into a human being thanks to the fairy’s blessings. Or, crouched among the thick foliage, an eloquent Talking Cricket by Pietro Consagra, with its little legs raised in a warning gesture. Or, again, in the middle of a large pool edged with greenery, a frightening Shark by Marco Zanuso, with a row of sharp teeth, ready to swallow everything.
But art, at Parco Collodi is not everything; cultural and playful activities always new and for much of the year are held here. The animators of the Nasolungo group offer educational workshops varied by age, with painting and decorating ateliers; stories and mini magic shows in the Fairy Caravan; storytellers and puppet shows; photos in costume in the Pinocchio Atelier and much more. Under the holm oaks, in the relaxation areas, there are also beautiful vintage rides, perfectly restored thanks to the work of skilled artisans. And in the Laboratory of Words and Figures, one can immerse themselves in art exhibitions about Pinocchio and in a thousand games, sounds and fantasies inspired by the friendly puppet. If after so much playing, appetite strikes, there is nothing left but to sit down at the Osteria del Gambero Rosso, whose claws, represented by the red arches of the restaurant, are the work of Giovanni Michelucci.