There are many well-known tourist destinations in Central Italy: just think about the famous cities of art, mountain villages or seaside resorts. However, there is no shortage of places out of the ordinary, particular but also fascinating places, which will give you unique memories and give you the opportunity to take special photos. So all you have to do is find out what the strange places to visit in Central Italy and how to reach them.
Tarot Garden
The Tarot Garden is located in Capalbio, Tuscany: it is an artistic park that was created by the French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle. The “little Park Guell” in the province of Grosseto was inaugurated in 1998with glittering sculptures that recall tarot figures.
To get to the Tarot Garden, you can start from Rome or Florence, with a car trip about two hours. It is also possible to take advantage of bus or train services to Capalbio and then continue with a short taxi ride. Once you arrive, dedicate at least a couple of hours to calmly explore this corner of magic and art, losing reference points for a moment. Finally, since Capalbio is near the sea, this is the ideal place to spend a special weekend in Central Italy.
Sammezzano Castle
The Sammezzano Castle, located in the province of Florence, is a decidedly eclectic residence that recalls oriental settings. The source of inspiration is in fact the Alhambra in Granada, but also the wonders of the Mughal Empire. The castle already existed in medieval times as a fortress. Became first noble hunting lodgepassed into the hands of the Marquis Ferdinando Panciatichi Ximenes of Aragon.
In the nineteenth century, therefore, the residence was entirely renovated according to this very particular style, creating an eastern corner in the Florentine countryside. The castle is located in the municipality of Leccio and is about 50 minutes by car from Florence. You will need to follow the A1 up to Incisa Reggello and then continue towards the town.
The Scarzuola
Another place that will satisfy the curiosity of those looking for strange places to visit is La Scarzuola, an architectural complex located in Umbria, near the city of Montegabbione. Founded in 1218 as a Franciscan convent, La Scarzuola became famous when the Milanese architect Tomaso Buzzi he purchased it in 1957 to create his ideal city, a visionary project that still fascinates today.
Scarzuola today is a collection of buildings and gardens which unfold between esoteric symbolism and classical references, creating a unique environment where art and nature blend perfectly. The complex includes the convent and the acropolis, with open-air theatres, temples and labyrinths. To get to La Scarzuola, just exit on the A1 at Fabro and continue on the SP58 until you reach Montegabbione.
Bomarzo Monster Park
The Monster Park of Bomarzo, also known as the Sacred Bosco, is one of the most fascinating places in Lazio. Created in the 16th century at the behest of Prince Pier Francesco Orsinithis garden is a labyrinth of stone sculptures representing monsters, gods and mythological creatures, arranged without apparent order in the heart of an ancient forest.
The meaning of this gigantic work is still controversial: many scholars have found references in the art and literature of the period, while others believe that the prince created an alchemical and initiatory itinerary. Among the most iconic sculptures is the large ogre with its mouth wide open, but also the elephant and the leaning house. For reach the Bomarzo Monster Park you can leave from Rome or Viterbo. From the A1 motorway you will need to exit at Attigliano and continue towards the village, which certainly deserves a visit.
Colossus of the Apennines
The Colossus of the Apennines, located in Park of Villa Demidoff in Vaglia, near Florence, is a majestic statue that embodies the grandeur and charm of the Renaissance. Approximately 14 meters high, this stone sculpture depicts a seated giant who seems to survey the surrounding territory. Made by sculptor Giambologna in 1580the Colossus is a very particular stop not to be missed in Tuscany.
The sources on which Giambologna drew are different and could be Ovid’s Metamorphoses, but also Virgil’s Aeneid. To visit the Colossus of the Apennines you can start from Florence: approximately 15 kilometers from the centercan be reached by car or public transport, thanks to a bus that leaves from Fortezza da Basso.
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