Villa Garzoni Garden (Storico Giardino Garzoni) Tours

The majestic gardens at the Garzoni Villa, in the town of Collodi, are considered some of the most beautiful in Italy. Their design blends Renaissance geometry with baroque elegance, and highlights include water features, lush flower beds, a hedge maze, and a butterfly pavilion.

The Basics
The Garzoni Villa was built in the 17th century, but the gardens were redesigned in the 18th century by Ottaviano Diodati. The centerpiece is a set of twin water fountains next to a slope of  manicured lawns and lush flower beds with staircases between them. Visitors can admire the villa and then wander the garden’s footpaths to find the hidden grottoes, bamboo groves, hedge theatres, statues of mythological creatures, and butterfly house. 

Things to Know Before You Go

• Though the garden welcomes families, visitors large and small are not allowed to walk on the lawns and flowerbeds or play in the fountains.
• The garden is outdoors and must be visited on foot, so choose comfortable shoes and wear a hat and sunscreen.
• Only the ground level of the garden,near the entrance, is accessible to wheelchair users.
• The Villa Garzoni Restaurant next to the garden serves snacks and meals.
• The garden is located near the Pinocchio Park in Collodi, and both attractions can be easily visited in a single day
• Purchase tickets in advance to avoid having to wait in line to enter. 

How to Get There
Villa Garzoni Garden is located in the town of Collodi and cannot be reached by public transportation. Take the A11 highway between Florence and Lucca and exit at Collodi.

When to Get There
The garden is open daily from March through October, and on Saturday and Sunday in the winter. Choose a clear, warm day to visit this outdoor attraction.

Pinocchio Park (Parco di Pinocchio)
This old fashioned theme park dedicated to Italy’s most famous wooden puppet is the other star attraction in the town of Collodi, birthplace of the character’s creator, Carlo Lorenzini. Families with young children enjoy the park’s Pinocchio-inspired statue garden, puppet shows, hedge maze, and vintage rides.