In the heart of Emilia-Romagna, just a few steps from the center of Cento, you will find a place where art, nature, and wonder intertwine: Il Giardino del Gigante – The Giant’s Garden. Imagine stepping into an open-air fairy tale, where colorful, oversized sculptures rise from the grass, inviting you to sit, play, and dream. Every detail here is designed to amaze and rejuvenate. It is a perfect idea for those seeking a break from everyday life and looking for a creative, unconventional experience.
A Fairy-Tale Park Blending Art and Landscape
The Giant’s Garden is much more than a simple park. It’s an environmental art installation created by artist Marco Pellizzola between 2000 and 2006, with the collaboration of over two hundred students from Fine Arts Academies around the world.
Its origin is inspired by a fairy tale written by a young girl from Cento, who imagined a wandering giant turning nature into his own castle. From that poetic vision was born a truly unique place, where the language of art meets the power of imagination.
As you stroll through the park’s meadows, you’ll discover ceramic mosaic play-sculptures. You’ll see a lizard over thirty meters long stretching across the grass, a giant leaf reaching toward the sky, and a thirteen-meter-long blackbird resting on a hill, ready to be climbed and even slid down. These works are not just for admiration. They’re meant to be lived, climbed, rested upon, and shared.
Open daily and free to visit, the garden has become a landmark for families, children, and contemporary art lovers, as well as for anyone who wants to spend time in a space that sparks creativity and invites reflection.
In a world where we increasingly seek authentic places, the Giant’s Garden stands out as a true garden of wonders, where nature and imagination merge in perfect harmony.
An eco-friendly stay in Cento
To make your visit to the Giant’s Garden a rejuvenating weekend getaway, consider staying at Agriturismo Biologico La Lepre Bianca. It is awonderful farmhouse nestled in the Ferrara countryside, just minutes from Cento.
Here’s why it’s worth the stay:
- It’s a certified organic farm since 2000, surrounded by orchards, vegetable gardens, and woodlands – an authentic and peaceful environment.
- The rooms and suites are hosted in lovingly restored rural buildings. They combine traditional charm with modern comfort and a refined aesthetic.
- You’ll find inviting spaces such as a natural stone pool, a wellness area, and a restaurant serving dishes made with local, organic ingredients. So you’ll find the ideal place for a relaxing, sustainable stay.
- The location is perfect. You are just a few minutes from Cento and the Giant’s Garden, so you can blend art, nature, and eco-friendly hospitality at your own pace.
Cover photo © ph. Stefano Ghelfi via Associazione Culturale Gli Amici del Giardino del Gigante
