The Labirinto della Masone is a fascinating place full of culture. It is not only the world’s largest bamboo labyrinth but also the visionary project of one of Italy’s most important designers and publishers of all time, Franco Maria Ricci. Opened in 2015, a few kilometers from Fontanellato (Parma), the Labirinto della Masone is a captivating fusion of nature, architecture, and culture.

In just one day, you can visit two prestigious places, each with its own story and uniqueness, for a day rich in culture and beauty: the Franco Maria Ricci Labyrinth and the Magnani-Rocca Foundation.

The Birth of a Dream: The Story and Vision of Franco Maria Ricci’s Labyrinth

The idea of creating a true labyrinth in the Po Valley was born in the 1980s when Franco Maria Ricci, inspired by conversations with Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges, dreamed of building the world’s largest labyrinth. Ricci envisioned a place that could embody his artistic and cultural vision, a project that encapsulated his love for art, literature, and design. After years of planning, with the help of Davide Dutto and architect Pier Carlo Bontempi, the dream became a reality. The labyrinth is a work that unites history and innovation, where symbolism and architecture converge in an unforgettable experience.

A Multiform Cultural Park: Between Art, Nature, and Architecture

The Labirinto della Masone spans 8 hectares and is composed of approximately 300,000 bamboo plants, varying in species and size, offering a spectacular natural setting. The choice of bamboo, a plant Ricci discovered through a Japanese gardener, was driven not only by its aesthetics but also by its ecological characteristics: bamboo grows rapidly, is disease-resistant, and absorbs large amounts of CO₂.

The labyrinth’s design draws inspiration from various historical configurations: its square layout is reminiscent of Roman labyrinths, while the star-shaped perimeter evokes Renaissance cities like Sabbioneta and Palmanova. Within the labyrinth, visitors are invited to lose themselves and find their way again, experiencing the pleasure of disorientation typical of Renaissance garden mazes. At its center, the Pyramid—a small chapel—symbolizes the ancient connection between labyrinths and faith.

Architecture and Utopia: The Classical Design of the Labirinto della Masone

The complex’s architecture was designed by Pier Carlo Bontempi, who integrated neoclassical design into the Po Valley landscape. The buildings, made of handmade bricks, draw inspiration from 18th-century architectural utopias, echoing the visions of Boullée, Ledoux, Lequeu, and Antolini. The result is an environment that combines classicism and innovation, evoking the atmosphere of a past never realized yet still influencing the present.

Franco Maria Ricci’s Collection: A Modern Wunderkammer

In addition to the labyrinth, the park houses a museum showcasing Franco Maria Ricci’s personal art collection. This assemblage, reflecting the founder’s eclectic and refined taste, includes about 500 works ranging from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Highlights include 17th-century sculptures, neoclassical busts, and Mannerist paintings by artists such as the Carraccis and Cambiaso. The collection also features modern art, with works by Wildt, Ligabue, and Savinio. The exhibition is curated thematically, establishing a dialogue between art and Ricci’s editorial and collecting passions.

Why Visit the Labyrinth of Franco Maria Ricci: An Immersive Experience in Culture and Nature

Visiting the Labirinto di Franco Maria Ricci means immersing yourself in a world where art, nature, and design merge into a multisensory experience. Every element of the park is designed to stimulate visitors, from the bamboo maze to the art collections, from classical architecture to contemporary exhibitions. The labyrinth is not just an intellectual challenge but an inner journey inviting reflection and discovery.

One-Day Trip Idea: Visit the Labyrinth of Franco Maria Ricci and the Magnani-Rocca Foundation

For art and culture enthusiasts, a day spent between the Labyrinth of Franco Maria Ricci and the Magnani-Rocca Foundation is the perfect itinerary. Located less than 30 minutes apart in the heart of Parma’s province, they offer a complete experience that combines exploring an extraordinary cultural park with discovering priceless masterpieces of art history.

Start the day by visiting the Labyrinth of Franco Maria Ricci: wandering through its bamboo paths and exploring its internal collection allows you to dive into the aesthetic vision of one of Italy’s greatest publishers.

The Labyrinth is open year-round, with hours varying by season. Tickets can be purchased online to avoid queues, with various visit options available, including guided tours and special event packages. The complex is easily accessible from Parma and offers amenities like dining, a café, and a new shop featuring Franco Maria Ricci’s books and refined design items.

After a lunch break at a local restaurant, head to the nearby Magnani-Rocca Foundation, known as the “Villa of Masterpieces.” Here, you can admire one of Europe’s most significant art collections, spanning from the Renaissance to the 20th century, with works by Monet, Cézanne, Morandi, Renoir, de Chirico, and many more.