Pinocchio's Statue Milan

Reflection on Transformation

Matteo from Milan

About Me Ciao! I’m Matteo, a Milanese explorer with a knack for uncovering the unexpected and an insatiable curiosity about the world around me. Born and raised in Milan, I’m easy-going yet always seeking that next unforgettable moment, whether it’s tucked away in a quiet piazza, caught in the buzz of an open-air market, or found on some wild adventure far from home. I’m ...
"Though Pinocchio's statue is easy to overlook, it serves as a reminder of Milan’s deep connection to Italian culture, inviting us to see beyond the surface"

In Milan’s Corso Indipendenza stands an unexpected homage to Italy’s beloved puppet, Pinocchio. This 1956 statue, created by Attilio Fagioli, depicts Pinocchio after his transformation into a real boy, gazing down at his lifeless puppet self—a striking symbol of change and self-discovery. The scene includes an inscription by Milanese poet Antonio Negri, which reads, “How funny I was when I was a puppet! And you there, looking at me—are you sure you’ve tamed the puppet within you?”  This line challenges onlookers to reflect on their own growth and the "puppets" within.

Over the years, the monument suffered from neglect and vandalism, with parts stolen or damaged, including the Fox and Cat statues and Pinocchio’s nose. However, thanks to a 2013 restoration effort, the statue and its fountain were revived, reclaiming their place as a cherished community spot. Today, it’s common to see children playing around the fountain, enchanted by the statue’s magic, while others pause to read the profound inscription.

The monument, though small and easy to overlook, serves as a powerful reminder of Milan’s deep connection to Italian culture, inviting visitors to see beyond the surface—a glimpse into transformation and self-awareness hidden in plain sight.

002-building
Art & culture

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Milan Spotter Matteo

About Me Ciao! I’m Matteo, a Milanese explorer with a knack for uncovering the unexpected and an insatiable curiosity about the world around me. Born and raised in Milan, I’m easy-going yet always seeking that next unforgettable moment, whether it’s tucked away in a quiet piazza, caught in the buzz of an open-air market, or found on some wild adventure far from home. I’m fascinated by people—their quirks, their stories, and the small connections that make life feel big. Whether it’s a stranger’s laugh, a perfect sunset, or a hidden corner of Milan that nobody seems to...

About this spot

Corso Indipendenza

free

Oct 29, 2025

Our Milan City Guide

Find your way with 195 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Milan guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Milan

Camparino in Galleria

To the roots of Campari

Camparino in Galleria in Milan is where the drink Campari was born. Every time I grab a drink at the bar, I feel as if I stepped into the old city...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Nov 22, 2025

Marchesi

A 19th century pastry shop

If you want to go back in time and find yourself enjoying the best pastries of Milan, visiting Marchesi and trying their pistachio croissant is a must.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Nov 21, 2025

Flor

Natural wines and quality Italian tapas

"Flor" in Milan is a wine bar with the goal of making the world of natural wine accessible to all. Their cheeseboards are amazing...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Matteo

Carini

Nov 21, 2025

Rinascente

Affordable place for doing shopping

During the 20th century, it became one of the most important shops in the city, specialising in selling branded clothes, above all famous Italian brands.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Nov 19, 2025

Sant'Eustorgio

The best church in Milan

It was built in 334 a.c, in a period when Milan or Mediolanum, the Latin name of the city, was the capital of the Western Roman Empire.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Nov 19, 2025

The infamous column

Victims of superstitions

The first one was made in 1630, in place of the house of Gian Giacomo Mora, who was a barber, and it's still there today on the road that bears his name.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Nov 19, 2025

Terrazza Aperol

Best drink in Milan

There are two types of people: those who take Aperol and those who take Campari. But what's the difference? Read to find out...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Nov 19, 2025

Vitamina

Fairytale on the move

"Vitamina" Milan is a must visit amongst the famous underground electronic music in Milan. You'll find yourself in a whole other world in good vibes...

029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Matteo

Carini

Nov 19, 2025

Pizzeria Woodstock

The real pizza of Milan

This restaurant is one of those which is resisting and still gives the possibility to have delicious traditional pizzas at affordable prices.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Nov 17, 2025

Mitú Restaurant

The Spirit of Colombia

Mitú is a place I would enthusiastically recommend to a friend seeking a charming atmosphere, great cuisine and attentive and knowledgeable staff.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Carmen

Condeescu

Nov 16, 2025

Church Sant'Ambrogio

Back in the past

The Church of Sant'Ambrogio, built this church in the 5th century AD, is an important church because it was built by the patron of the city, Ambrogio.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Nov 16, 2025

Church of Saint Sebastian

Against the plague

One of the most interesting in the city, founded in 1576, it has the same structure as some Roman-Greek circular temples, "tholos" in ancient Greek.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Vladislav

Karaneuski

Oct 30, 2025

Heading to Milan?

195 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Milan app Home
Milan app Home
Milan app Map
Milan app Home

Heading to Milan?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

195 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Milan

Get to know our other Spotters from Milan

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
28
Made with the 💚 of 496 Spotters.
Filters