The Bosco della Ragnaia is a unique contemporary garden, created by the American artist Sheppard Craige, who in 1996 transformed an oak and holm-oak woodland into a living artwork.
This is not an ordinary park: here, nature, art, and philosophy merge into a path that surprises visitors and invites reflection. Walking along its shaded alleys, you encounter statues, pools, fountains, enigmatic inscriptions carved in stone, and playful installations, blending irony, meditation, and beauty. Every corner is a dialogue between man and nature, order and mystery.
The name “Ragnaia” recalls the traditional woods where nets (“ragnaie”) were once used to trap birds; today, it is instead a symbolic net that captures thoughts, impressions, and emotions.
Entrance is free, and the garden is always open to visitors, as long as the place and its atmosphere are respected. Visiting Bosco della Ragnaia is not just a tourist stop, but an invitation to slow down, wander, and let curiosity guide you.
Including Bosco della Ragnaia in a cycling loop adds a moment of wonder and contemplation to the physical challenge and scenic beauty of Tuscany—where the road meets art.
Bosco della Ragnaia is a unique contemporary garden, born from the imagination and work of American artist Sheppard Craige, who in 1996 decided to transform a forest of holm oaks and oaks into a living work of art.
This is no ordinary park: here, nature, art, and philosophy merge in a journey that surprises and invites reflection. Walking along the shady paths, you encounter statues, pools, fountains, water features, phrases carved in stone, and enigmatic installations that blend irony, meditation, and beauty. Every corner is a dialogue between man and nature, between order and mystery.
The name "Ragnaia" recalls the tradition of woods where nets ("ragnaie") were once stretched to catch birds: today, however, it is a symbolic net that captures thoughts, suggestions, and emotions.
Admission is free, and the garden is always open to visitors, fully respecting the site and its atmosphere. It's an experience that goes beyond a simple sightseeing tour: an invitation to lose yourself, slow down, and let your curiosity guide you.
Visiting the Bosco della Ragnaia during a bike ride means combining the effort and exploration of the Tuscan landscape with a moment of intimate and contemplative wonder, where the road meets art.
Translated by Google •
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