Villa Garzoni in Collodi: Tuscany's Most Spectacular Baroque Garden
Villa Garzoni in Collodi: A Baroque Garden That Takes Your Breath Away
Some places you see once and never forget. Villa Garzoni, in the hilltop village of Collodi, is one of them: one of Tuscany's most extraordinary historic estates, built around a Baroque garden that cascades down a hillside in a succession of terraces, fountains, statues and boxwood hedges — designed to dazzle, and still doing so centuries later.
What Makes Villa Garzoni Unique
The villa was built by the noble Garzoni family between the 17th and 18th centuries, on the site of an earlier medieval structure. But it is the garden — far more than the villa itself — that makes Collodi an essential destination. Designed in the Italian Baroque style, it climbs steeply up the hill behind the villa and unfolds across a series of terraces linked by monumental staircases, decorated with statues, artificial grottoes and water features.
The highlights are many: grand fountains that punctuate the route upward, a boxwood labyrinth that enchants visitors of all ages, panoramic terraces overlooking the valley below, and the celebrated statue of Fame crowning the whole composition from above. A small animal park within the grounds rounds out the experience, making Villa Garzoni a genuinely family-friendly destination.
Villa Garzoni has been classified as one of the finest examples of Italian Baroque garden design and was declared a national monument in 1977.
Villa Garzoni and the Pinocchio Park: A Full Day Out
The location of Villa Garzoni adds another layer of appeal. Collodi is the small Tuscan village that gave the author of Pinocchio — Carlo Lorenzini — his pen name. The famous Pinocchio Park sits just steps away, making it entirely possible to spend a full day combining Baroque garden grandeur with the whimsy of one of Italy's best-loved fairy tales. Perfect for families, but rewarding for anyone.
Practical Information
Villa Garzoni is located in Collodi, in the municipality of Pescia, province of Pistoia. It is open to visitors from March through November, with hours varying by season — check the official website before your visit. Admission is charged; combined tickets with the Pinocchio Park are available.
Getting There from Villa Agnolaccio
Villa Garzoni is just 25–30 minutes by car from Villa Agnolaccio, following scenic backroads through the Valdinievole valley. No motorway required — just pleasant Tuscan countryside all the way.
Why Choose Villa Agnolaccio as Your Base
Collodi is not a place to stay overnight — it is a place to visit. And to do it well, you need a comfortable, well-located base nearby.
Villa Agnolaccio, just 30 minutes from Collodi, is exactly that: a country villa set among the green hills of the Pistoia countryside, with spacious rooms, a breakfast made with local produce, and the kind of quiet you only find in the Tuscan hinterland. Close enough to make every day trip effortless. Far enough removed to feel like you're truly on holiday.
From Villa Agnolaccio, you can easily combine a visit to Villa Garzoni and the Pinocchio Park with other highlights of the area: the city of Pistoia, the thermal baths of Montecatini, the Padule di Fucecchio wetlands, the Montalbano hills. There is always more to explore.
→ Book your stay at Villa Agnolaccio and discover the most authentic side of Tuscany.