CAMP DARBY, Italy -- In the heart of Maremma, the National Park area near Capalbio, Grosseto, is a hidden magical place that deserves a visit.
The Tarot Garden (in Italian, Il Giardino dei Tarocchi) is a sculpture garden based on the esoteric tarot deck, created by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle (1930--2002).
The park was built piece by piece by de Saint Phalle and her staff, and displays huge, beautiful sculptures representing the 22 Major Arcana of a Tarot deck. It took 17 years to be completed and opened to the public in 1998.
According to the park's official website, the garden was the result of the wish to express the artist's idea of a "small Eden where man and nature meet."
She said she took inspiration from Park Güell by Gaudì in Barcelona, Spain, a public park system composed of gardens and architectonic elements. Gaudì (June 25, 1852--June 10, 1926) was an architect from Reus, Catalonia. He is the best known practitioner of Catalan Modernism.
Among the different constructions, "The Empress" is probably the most representative sculpture. Portrayed as a large woman-sphinx, this artwork was also where de Saint Phalle lived while working on the garden.
It is possible to visit the inside of the building and enjoy a full home built out of mirrors and colored glass figures.
The garden is open daily from April 1 to Oct. 15, 2:30 to 7:30 p.m.; the cost is €12 for adults. From November to March, it is open only the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and entrance is free.
The park will also open upon specific request any workday for groups with a minimum of 25 people at the special price of €7 each.
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