Bartolucci is a small store near the Pantheon but it is known to us as 'Evie's Toy Shop' as we have to make a stop in there every trip to purchase a little something for our grandaughter.
Visitors on the well worn path between the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon invariably stop to admire Pinocchio riding his tricycle and the full size wooden motorbike which is usually placed outside the store
The shop dates back to 1936 when the Bartolucci family started a wood working operation. It is still a family run business and just like Geppetto in the story of Pinocchio all the toys in the store are created in wood. Of course the star of the show is the wooden toy puppet from 'The Adventures of Pinocchio' written by Il Collodi.
The Bartolucci family collaborate with the Carlo Collodi Foundation which has been promoting culture for children since 1962. Under the patronage of the foundation they have created Geppetto's Workshop inside the Parco di Pinocchio, a theme park in the village of Collodi.
Photo credit - Bartolucci website
The wooden toys make ideal souvenirs, especially as many of the items can be personalised.
