What Is Il Giardino dei Tarocchi?
Il Giardino dei Tarocchi, or The Tarot Garden, is a breathtaking sculpture park located in Garavicchio, near Capalbio, in southern Tuscany. Conceived and created by French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle, the garden features 22 monumental sculptures inspired by the Major Arcana of tarot cards. It’s one of Italy’s most extraordinary examples of contemporary outdoor art, blending symbolism, color, and nature into an immersive experience.
The garden was built over two decades, from 1979 to 1996, and was officially opened to the public in 1998. Antonio Gaudí’s Park Güell influenced Niki’s vision in Barcelona, as well as the Parco dei Mostri in Bomarzo and other fantastical architectural landmarks.
Artistic Style and Symbolism
Each sculpture in the Tarot Garden represents a different tarot archetype—The Empress, The Hanged Man, The Tower, and so on. Moreover, they are all interpretations of Niki de Saint Phalle’s bold, surreal, and deeply personal style. The sculptures are made from steel and concrete, which are then covered with vibrant mosaics of ceramic, glass, and mirrors.
In addition, some of the sculptures are habitable or walkable, allowing visitors to step inside these dreamlike forms physically. For instance, Niki herself lived inside the “Empress” sculpture during part of the construction process. This unique arrangement turned it into both a home and a creative studio.
Furthermore, the garden is not just an aesthetic experience; it’s a spiritual journey. It invites introspection and emotional connection. Indeed, walking through the site feels like wandering through a living deck of tarot cards. Each sculpture, therefore, encourages reflection on different aspects of human life and consciousness.
A Vision Realized with Passion
Niki de Saint Phalle began the project using her funds, motivated by a lifelong fascination with mysticism and mythology. Strong on her vision, she worked closely with her husband, Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely. The team also included other artists, artisans, and architects.
The entrance to the garden was designed by renowned architect Mario Botta, who created a powerful contrast between the external world and the fantastical space within. Visitors pass through a monumental stone wall with a circular opening—symbolizing a transition from reality to imagination.
Visiting the Tarot Garden: What to Expect
The Tarot Garden is open from April 1 to October 15, usually from 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM (last entry at 6:15 PM).
Tickets cost around €15 and should be booked online in advance, as visitor numbers are limited to preserve the tranquility of the space.
There are no guided tours, encouraging a personal exploration of the sculptures and surroundings. Visitors can stroll along winding paths, sit in shaded areas, and take in the Mediterranean landscape that surrounds the garden.
Families with children, art lovers, and spiritual seekers alike will find something meaningful here.
The garden is mostly outdoors, so comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Garavicchio, near Capalbio, Tuscany, Italy. The Garden is open to the public from April 1 until October 15, from 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM (last admission at 6:15 PM). Tickets are available onloine at €15.
Visit their website to discover more, and let the Tarot Garden be your portal to a more imaginative world.
