Southern Tuscany - Florence and Tuscany - page 472

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
GIARDINO DEI TAROCCHI
Twenty-two oversized Gaudí-influenced sculptures tumble down a hillside at this fantastic sculpture
garden ( www.nikidesaintphalle.com ; Località Garavicchio-Capalbio; adult/reduced €12/7;
2.30-7.30pm summer) created by Franco-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002). On a
theme-park scale, the whimsical, mosaic-covered sculptures skilfully merge with the surrounding
nature, creating what the artist described as a 'garden of joy'. This colossal effort depicts the main
players from the tarot card pack - the Moon, the Fool, Justice, the Falling Tower etc - and include one
used by De Saint Phalle as a home during the garden's construction. Sculptor Jean Tinguely contrib-
uted sculptural elements to many of the figures and the visitor centre was designed by Swiss architect
Mario Botta. Your interest in divination notwithstanding, these pleasing exhibits transcend aesthetic
leanings and are particularly popular with young children. To get here, take the Pescia Fiorentina exit
from the SS1.
Information
Orbetello tourist office ( 05 6486 0447; [e-mail] ; Piazza Giovanni Paolo II 2;
9am-1pm & 4-8pm) Opposite the cathedral.
Porto Santo Stefano tourist office ( 05 6481 4208; [e-mail] ; Piazzale Sant'Andrea;
9am-1pm & 4-8pm) Appallingly located at the eastern end of the port.
Getting There & Away
Frequent Rama Mobilità ( Click here ) buses connect most towns on Monte Argentario with
central Orbetello (€2.60, 20 minutes) and continue to the train station. They also run to
Grosseto (€3.70, one hour, up to four daily).
If driving, follow signs for Monte Argentario from the SS1, which connects Grosseto with
Rome.