Highlights
Don't miss
Immerse yourself in the maze of 200,000 bamboo plants over 3 metres tall, where every turn leads you to a new discovery and the way out always seems far away.
Explore the Franco Maria Ricci collection housed in the neoclassical buildings at the centre of the labyrinth, with works of art, rare books and precious manuscripts.
Reach the heart of the labyrinth and discover the pyramid and the small chapel, symbols of the inner journey and the search for self that this place represents.
Origins and foundation: the dream of Franco Maria Ricci
The idea of the Labyrinth of Parma was born in the mind of Franco Maria Ricci, publisher and art collector. In 2004, Ricci decided to create something special near Fontanellato, in the province of Parma. The project took shape slowly.
Ricci chose bamboo as the main plant for the labyrinth, inspired by its versatility and beauty. Construction began in 2010 and required several years of intense work. Ricci opened it to the public in 2015.
Evolution over the years: growth and development of the labyrinth
Although the Labyrinth of Parma is relatively young, it has undergone significant changes. The bamboo plants have grown rapidly, creating a true environmental sanctuary.
Over time, Ricci has added new elements such as works of art, sculptures and recreational areas. The addition of the Ricci collection in exhibition spaces has transformed the labyrinth into an open-air museum.
The Franco Maria Ricci collection is one of the most beautiful cultural projects of its kind.
Features, architecture and symbolism of the labyrinth
The Labyrinth of Masone is a unique work of art that brings together culture and architecture. This green space offers visitors an immersive and surprising experience.
Architecture and design: the labyrinth extends over more than eight hectares of land, making it the largest in the world of its kind.
It is composed of more than 200,000 bamboo plants of various species, which form green walls over 3 metres tall.
Franco Maria Ricci's bibliophile dream made of bamboo
In the heart of Emilia-Romagna stands a remarkable attraction, the Labirinto della Masone. This cultural park near Fontanellato, in the province of Parma, surprises the visitor with eight hectares of paths, weaving together a labyrinthine, cultural and naturalistic experience. The Labirinto della Masone is much more than a tangle of paths. Inside it houses the art collection of Franco Maria Ricci, neoclassical buildings, prized antique books, symbolic objects and much more. It is a place where culture, art and nature blend together. Open every day except Tuesdays, the Labyrinth welcomes its guests from 10.30am to 7pm during the summer season. Those who wish to explore this fascinating place can buy tickets online to ensure entry to the great natural and cultural pathway. A visit to the Labirinto della Masone is a chance to live an enchanting natural experience.
Related experiences
Origins: the vision of Franco Maria Ricci
The idea of the Parma Labyrinth was born in the mind of Franco Maria Ricci, publisher and art collector. In 2004 Ricci decided to create something unique near Fontanellato, in the province of Parma. The project took shape slowly. Ricci chose bamboo as the principal plant, inspired by its versatility and beauty. Construction began in 2010 and required several years of intense work. Ricci opened the labyrinth to the public in 2015. The result of years of patient work, the labyrinth boasts over 200,000 bamboo plants of various species.
Evolution and growth of the cultural park
Although the Parma Labyrinth is relatively young, it has already undergone significant changes. The bamboo plants have grown swiftly, creating a true environmental sanctuary. Over time Ricci has added new elements, such as artworks, sculptures and recreational areas. The addition of the Ricci Collection in dedicated exhibition spaces has turned the labyrinth into an open-air museum. The Franco Maria Ricci Collection embodies the cultural project of one of Italy's most refined publishers. Over the years the Labyrinth has welcomed visitors from all over the world. It has become part of the legacy of the Duchy of Parma, growing in prestige and international recognition.
Architecture, design and symbolism
The Labirinto della Masone is a unique cultural space where culture and architecture meet. This green space offers visitors an immersive and surprising experience. Architecture and design: the labyrinth covers more than eight hectares, the largest of its kind in the world. It is made up of more than 200,000 bamboo plants of various species, forming green walls more than 3 metres tall. The path is intricate and winding, with countless forks and turns that make the experience an adventure for adults and children alike. There are over 3 km of paths. The centre of the labyrinth hosts a music space, a library and cultural exhibition rooms that contrast richly with the wild green of the bamboo. Symbolism and meaning: the labyrinth carries deep symbolic resonance. It stands for the journey of the self, where visitors lose themselves in order to find themselves. Wandering between the paths and the bamboo becomes a symbolic experience of growth. The choice of bamboo is no accident. The plant symbolises flexibility and resilience, qualities to bring into one's own life. Reaching the centre of the labyrinth becomes both a physical and an inner achievement. The whole project celebrates the beauty of art and nature, inviting a pause from everyday haste to reflect and find inspiration.