Pinocchio's Birthday

Pescia, in Tuscany, holds a festival on May 25 to celebrate Pinocchio's birthday but Pinocchio really came to life in Collodi, a nearby village. The Adventures of Pinocchio was written by Carlo Collodi, the pen name Carlo Lorenzini took, using the village where his mother was born as his last name. Read more about Collodi, the Birthplace of Pinocchio on Europe for Visitors.

In Collodi lovers of the Pinocchio story can visit Pinocchio Park. It's probably only worth a visit if you're in the area as I've heard it's gotten expensive but you can take a virtual visit with our Pinocchio Park Pictures. If you're going, buy a combination ticket to visit both Pinocchio Park and Garzoni Garden, also in Collodi.

Vernante, in the Piemonte region, is the home of Pinocchio's illustrator. There are murals depicting the story of Pinocchio throughout the beautiful village and viewing the murals is free. Europe for Visitors has information about Vernante with a location map and pictures of the murals.

Related Italy Travel Pictures:

Lucca - walled city near Collodi

Barga - medieval hill town north of Lucca

Pisa and the Leaning Tower - south of Lucca

Tuscany Pictures - More Pictures from Tuscany

Barmarzo Monster Park - another good place for kids

_{Photo of Pinocchio Statue in Pinocchio Park © 2006 by Martha Bakerjian, licensed to about.com}