When tourists think about Tuscany, the first images that come to mind are usually barren hills with clusters of cypress trees, vineyards and renaissance art.

Tuscany is not really famous for its great beaches and crystalline sea, and whenever I go back home for the summer I always make sure I spend a few days at the beach.

This year, we spent a few days in Maremma, in the south of Tuscany, the land of "butteri", the Italian cowboys. Maremma is famous amongst Italians for its beaches and natural reserves, and since 1998 there is another landmark that attracts lots of tourists: the "Giardino Dei Tarocchi" (the Tarot Garden).

Located in the countryside near the picturesque town of Capalbio, this park was created by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle who was incredibly inspired by a trip to the Parc de Guell in Barcelona.

The Giardino features statues representing the Major Arcana, one of which, the Empress, is habitable and was Niki's house for a few years as well.

The park is a real labour of love and took about twenty years to be built: the bigger sculptures are made of iron covered in concrete and colourful tiles and mirrors were meticulously applied on top.

I visited the park on a sunny day, so unfortunately it was very crowded, but you could still feel the magic and the enchanting quietness of the place.

It is definitely an inspiring place to visit whether you are a textile designer, an artist or simply a tourist looking for something unusual.

Here is the park's website: www.giardinodeitarocchi.it

www.carlovolpi.co.uk