Once upon a time there was a puppet named Pinocchio, probably everyone knows this ancient tale. The story of Pinocchio, born in the village of Collodi, has inspired several successful films. Surely, the best known screenplay on the adventures of the famous puppet is that of the director Luigi Comencini, who sees a great Nino Manfredi in the role of Geppetto. The series, broadcast for the first time in 1972 in six episodes, is still one of the best known by the general public today. But let's go back to the topic of this column on the most beautiful villages of our beautiful country, undertaken by italiani.it.
Curiosities from the world of fairy tales
Fairy tales often mix with reality. This is the case of the small Tuscan village of Collodi, a charming fraction of the Municipality of Pescia. This casket of architecture and stone, expertly placed by local workers, is strongly linked to the name of Carlo Lorenzini, a well-known writer and journalist. His name is in the collective imagination, with a small variation to the surname, which we will analyze shortly, for having created the adventures of Pinocchio puppet. This extraordinary tale takes off around 1881.
After his international fame, Carlo Lorenzini decided to change his surname to Collodi, to pay homage to the village of his childhood. Strolling in this small treasure chest of beauty, the careful eye of the traveler is catapulted into the tale of Pinocchio. It seems to glimpse the alleys of the story. After the main square it is possible to glimpse Geppetto's workshop and the old puppet school.
The village of Collodi today ...
The small hamlet, in the heart of Tuscany, is also known for the ancient fortress, of extreme beauty, and for the refined Villa Garzoni, a surprising location with a fairytale garden. Even today, thousands of tourists reach the enchanted place to visit the park dedicated to Pinocchio. A very strong tourist marker, which unites several generations. The story of the puppet was filmed in the Cinema, in 2019, by the director Garrone, with the participation of Roberto Benigni and the actor Federico Ielapi, known by all for his participation in the series Don Matteo.
Collodi, fairy tale or reality?
This village, born on a small promontory, actually really exists. Collodi is the clearest example of how the fairy tale can often mix with reality. Collodi has different medieval nuances, ranging from structures to the location of the streets. It is a sort of small fortress built in an elevated position to be able to counter possible attacks from enemy populations. Once upon a time ... and there is still Collodi ... the journey continues.
(Photo from the Pinocchio cartoon)
