In the nearby village of Collodi is the Garzoni Garden and Butterfly House. The garden was originally begun around 1652 by the Garzoni family when they converted an old castle into an impressive Baroque style 4 story house with belvedere tower and roof statues.
At the entrance is a delightful series of photos of past guests.
The garden was originally in the Italian style. In the 18th century it was embellished with the addition of terraces, balustrades, mazes, waterfalls, fountains, grottoes and statuary. It was designed by Ottavio Diodati. The garden’s reputation spread all over Europe and influenced many others.
There are some marvellous decorations.
A lovely feature of the garden is the Butterfly House. It is a fairly recent addition. The estate was sold by the Garzoni family in the 1920s. It passed through several owners in sequence and its existence became precarious. Thanks to the current owner in collaboration with the Fondazione Carlo Collodi and the Sviluppo Turistico Collodi Ltd, it gained back its former glory, and the butterfly house was added.
I braved the awful heat and humidity and wiped the steam from my camera lens to take photos of the flowers, birds and butterflies.
I visited the garden on a sunny autumn day. Garzoni Garden is open all year, but the Butterfly House closes in winter.
It is a relatively easy drive from Bagni di Lucca. Take the road to Benabbio and keep going down the other side of the mountain towards Collodi. There is a big car park outside Pinocchio Park and the gardens are a short walk from there.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
It is a beautiful place. We visited it a couple of years ago. The trip by car from Bagni di Lucca is great. Love your photos…as usual!
I was very impressed. It is a very intersting drive over the mountain from Bagni di Lucca, a little narrow in parts, but there is lots to see along the way.
Debra, Debra, Debra….sensational!!!!!!!!!! Those old photographs were intriguing too….the women looked like 1950s film stars, don’t you think? All looked gorgeous. And the butterflies and birds!!!! Inspirational for my drawings/collages Deb…..I’m planning on doing some butterfly collages soon….so I’ll give you one when you’re next in Brisbane. A little gift for you for giving us such a glorious post.
Is this the garden that Monty Don talks about on his video of Italian Gardens? He talks about one being close to Lucca. I’ll watch the video again and let you know.
Ciao
Robyn
I have the DVD of Monty Don’s gardens (thanks Liz). I will watch it when I get back to Italy. The Garzoni gardens are fabulous. I think I might go back in spring when there is lovely new growth. It should look wonderful.
Simply divine. I must visit there on my next trip to BdL
You won’t be disappointed.
Looks like a nice place to visit if you’re going this summer
It would be a beautiful time to visit at any time of the year, with the possible exception of the middle of winter. Take a hat or an umbrella if you go in summer, it could be very hot.
On my list for next visit instead of cavorting to distant towns need to concentrate on local
The gardens are fabulous and with a strap on fan I might enter the butterfly house again.
I really love the photo of the georgeous ladies and the gardens look beautiful. We drove past there on several occasions but never took the time to stop. Next time!
I think those girls look gorgeous too. The photo must have been taken in the 1950s.
Lovely close ups of butterflies. I love the place. For Australia swans click on my post there at https://longoio2.wordpress.com/2014/09/05/swanning-it-in-collodi/
I saw the black swans too. They are lovely.
We went to the Pinnochio park with our young son several years ago but didn’t have time to visit the gardens. We definitely will next time. Your photos are beautiful.
The gardens are magnificent, you must go back.
Amazing what places you know about in the area. I will not be bored for a very long time when I live there soon.
There is lots to do in our area, you won’t be bored.
Another absolute gem. You are becoming the last word in wonderful places dear Deb!!!
I have a lot of fun discovering these places.
Stunning house and gardens. Next time we’re over I must take the family there.
I’m sure you will enjoy seeing the garden.
Now Collodi is in Pistoia, yes? The garden looks great, when I go back in two years, I really would like to go. Also, how is the town of Pistoia?
Collodi is in the province of Pistoia, which is a very interesting town. I did a post on it a while ago on my other blog, Bagni di Lucca and Beyond. It was called Pole dancing in Pistoia.