Visit to the Labyrinth of the Masone: the largest maze of bamboo
Visiting the Labyrinth of the Masone is a unique and fascinating experience. Extending over 7 hectares and more than 3 km, this Labyrinth in Fontanellato (PR) will allow you to immerse yourself in a place rich in nature with more than 200,000 bamboo plants, and experience an unforgettable adventure.
Masone Labyrinth: the tickets most chosen by travelers
Labyrinth of the Masone: a work of design and nature
In the small town of Fontanellato, in the province of Parma, there is a unique attraction: the Labyrinth of the Masone, the largest bamboo labyrinth in existence, created by publisher and designer Franco Maria Ricci. This fascinating labyrinth is much more than a botanical work: it is an experience that combines nature, art and culture, offering visitors an immersion in a path of wonder and meditation.
The Labyrinth of the Masone extends over 7 hectares and more than 3 kilometres, with more than 200,000 bamboo plants that create an evocative setting, with its intense colours and the rustling of leaves in the wind. Inside the labyrinth, you can get lost and orientated at the same time, among the numerous corridors, experiencing the fascination of uncertainty and discovery, until you reach the centre of the route, where there is a monumental square with an elegant pyramidal chapel.
The labyrinth is based on the example of Roman labyrinths, i.e. it is composed of orthogonal lines and divided into quarters, but with the addition of forks and dead ends. In addition, the Labyrinth of the Masone is also a venue for numerous cultural activities, including temporary exhibitions, conferences and concerts.
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Info you need to know about visiting the Labirinto della Masone
A full visit to the labyrinth and art collection usually takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much time you want to devote to the art collection and green spaces.
The Masone Labyrinth is open every day except Tuesdays. Openings vary depending on the season.
Hours:
From April 1 to October 31, hours are 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
November 1 to March 31: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ticket Prices:
Full Ticket: Approximately €18-20 (includes entrance to the labyrinth and art collection).
Reduced Ticket: Available for children ages 6-12, students up to 26, and over 65, priced around 10-15€.
Free Admission: Children up to 5 years old, accompanying persons with disabilities.
Family Tickets: Special offers for families with children.
Reservation: You can purchase tickets directly on the Labirinto della Masone website. Online booking is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
Services available:
Cafeteria and Restaurant: Il Labirinto has a cafeteria and restaurant, where you can enjoy typical Emilian cuisine. Reservations are recommended for the restaurant.
Store: A gift store is available inside, with books, prints and objects inspired by the art collection and the labyrinth.
Accessibility: The entire route is accessible to people with reduced mobility, including the exhibition areas and the labyrinth.
Restrooms: Available at the entrance and in various areas of the site.
Recommended Clothing: Wear comfortable shoes, as the path within the labyrinth is extensive. A hat is also recommended in the summer months to protect yourself from the sun.
Accessibility:
Inside the Labyrinth, the only architectural barrier is the Belvedere Tower. Therefore, access to the Labyrinth is allowed to everyone. There are no age limits.
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Frequently asked questions about the Labirinto della Masone
How long does it take to visit the Labirinto della Masone?
The average duration of a visit to the Labirinto is 45 minutes. The same amount of time is needed to visit the museum, which is also located on the same site.
How much does admission to the Labirinto della Masone cost?
Admission is daily and costs 20 euros per person. For families of 3 members, the reduced rate is €40 and for families with 4 or more members it is €48.
Are animals allowed?
Animals are allowed as long as they are on a leash. Only small animals are allowed inside the collections and if carried in the arms or in a pet carrier.
What to see near the Labyrinth of the Masone?
After visiting the Labirinto della Masone, with one of the recommended tours, you can carve out some time to visit the surrounding area. In particular, we recommend a stop in Fontanellato, where you will find the Sanvitale Fortress, L'Artinorocca and the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin.
How to get to the Labirinto della Masone
By car: the Labyrinth is less than 10 minutes from Fidenza (PR) and 15 minutes from Parma.
If your route is from Milan, you will need to take the A1 motorway and then the Fidenza exit, then take the Via Emilia towards Parma. The journey will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
From Bologna take the A1 motorway exit Parma Ovest, then follow via Emilia towards Fidenza.
From La Spezia, on the other hand, you will need to take the A15 motorway and exit at Parma Ovest and then follow via Emilia towards Fidenza.
By train: The nearest stations are Fidenza and Parma. You can go as far as Fontanellato and then reach the Labyrinth by bus or taxi.
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Vedi ❯The best tours for exploring the Labyrinth of the Masone
For those who wish to learn more about the history and curiosities of the labyrinth, several guided tour options are available.
The main one is the Guided Tour of the Labyrinth and Museum. An ideal tour for those visiting the Labirinto della Masone for the first time, in which you explore the labyrinth's routes and Franco Maria Ricci's personal art collection. Your guide will take you on a discovery of works of art from the 16th to the 20th century, including paintings, sculptures, and rare editions. This tour lasts 1.5 hours and is available daily, but it is recommended to book in advance.
Another tour available is the thematic tour: History and Architecture of the Labyrinth. This tour delves into the architecture and artistic concept behind the labyrinth. The guide explains the choice of bamboo, the history of construction, and the symbolism of the labyrinth as a structure. Perfect for those interested in sustainable architecture and design. Lasts 1 hour, usually available at weekends, with special sessions on request for groups.
If you want a more intimate and in-depth experience, it is possible with the Private Tour with exclusive access. With this tour you can visit areas of the complex not usually open to the public. This tour can be customised to suit your interests, allowing you to dwell on specific works or architectural aspects of the labyrinth. It lasts 2 hours, but can be extended. Availability is by appointment, with flexible dates and times.
Experiential Tour for Children and Families: Designed for families, this tour focuses on interactive activities and games inside the labyrinth. Children can explore the route and solve small puzzles and creative activities, making the visit fun and stimulating. It lasts 1 hour and is available at weekends and during school holidays.
Photographic Sunset Tour: Dedicated to photography enthusiasts, this tour allows you to explore the labyrinth during the sunset hours, taking advantage of the natural light for evocative shots. The tour includes access to the labyrinth and the museum, with practical advice from an experienced photography guide. It lasts about 1.5 hours. Availability: Only at certain times of the year, often from May to September.
Creative Workshops and Workshops: the Labirinto della Masone regularly hosts art workshops and workshops on various themes, from calligraphy to sculpture and painting. These events are organised on dedicated days and often include guided tours to give historical and artistic context to the proposed activities. They vary in duration, from a few hours to a full day, and are only available at certain times of the year; booking is compulsory.
Special Events and Night Visits: Throughout the year, the Labirinto della Masone organises special events, such as night visits accompanied by music and lights that transform the labyrinth experience into a multi-sensory discovery. Events often include live performances, concerts or literary readings. Availability is only on certain dates, especially in the summer months or during holidays.
Booking tips: Many of the tours and events require advance booking, especially for thematic tours, workshops and evening events.
Online Tickets: Most tour tickets can be purchased online, ensuring availability for the desired date and reducing waiting time on site.
Discounts: Some tours offer discounts for groups, families and schools, and it is often possible to book combined packages to visit the labyrinth and attend workshops or cultural events. Beyond the Maze.
The art collection of Franco Maria Ricci
To visit the Labirinto della Masone is to take a break from the hectic pace of modern life and immerse oneself in an unusual experience. In addition to the labyrinth, the complex houses a rich art collection belonging to Franco Maria Ricci, including works ranging from the 16th to the 20th century, displayed in spacious museum rooms. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, rare books and precious objects, offering a journey through art and beauty.
They range from great 17th-century sculpture to neoclassical sculpture, to busts from the Napoleonic era, counterbalanced by Vanitas, still lifes with skulls, often grandguignolese, sometimes the work of famous artists such as Ligozzi.
The entire complex is designed to promote culture and love of art, making the Labirinto della Masone a place to visit and experience, where every step opens up to new discoveries.
The enchanting village of Fontanellato
A few kilometres from the Labyrinth is the small medieval village of Fontanellato, which is definitely worth a visit. Listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy, it is a perfect destination for those who want to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of times gone by, with well-preserved historical structures and a gastronomic tradition that reflects the best of Emilia-Romagna.
One of the main things to see is the Rocca Sanvitale, the symbol of Fontanellato. This splendid 14th-century fortress, surrounded by a moat of water, contains frescoes by Parmigianino, such as the famous ‘Camera Picta’, a room dedicated to Diana and Actaeon, which is considered one of the most important Mannerist works of the Renaissance. The fortress also houses the Sanvitale Museum, which tells the story of the family that inhabited the fortress until the 1940s.
Fontanellato's main square, Piazza Garibaldi, is a perfect place to breathe in the village atmosphere and admire local life. Surrounded by arcades and cafés, the square comes alive with markets, fairs and events throughout the year, including the renowned antiques market.
In addition to cultural visits, Fontanellato is an ideal destination for savouring Emilian cuisine, with restaurants and trattorias offering specialities such as tortelli d'erbetta, prosciutto di Parma, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Throughout the year, the village hosts numerous events, including the Antiques Market, the Feast of the Patron Saint John, and various food and wine events celebrating local products.