I santuari in pietra [The Stone Sanctuaries]Girolamo Ricci (b. 1931)
Extant
Ricci’s two garden sanctuaries are located at the end of the road running through the small village of Pievelunga; the first garden is built on land next to the artist’s home and the second is just a few meters away. Ricci is sociable, friendly, and proud of his creations, so enjoys welcoming visitors.
About the Artist/Site
A retired farmer, Ricci began sculpting in the late 1980s. After having risked his life several times working with his tractor, he was inspired in a dream to build a small house near a local chapel honoring the Virgin Mary. Once he started, he could not stop building: “because there were so many stones and so much stuff,” he said.
In the first sanctuary garden, built on land next to the artist’s home, Ricci created sculptures in stone, concrete, and wood, in which he painted faces, animals, and male and female figures, the latter often designed together. The theme of the couple can be seen variously, as well, in paintings on boards, tiles, and doors.
After the death of the artist’s wife Liliana, Ricci created a second sanctuary in front of his house. In the form of a spiral, it is dotted with colorful inventions, small towers, found objects, and writings. He has even decorated his home, outside and inside, with paintings and woodworks.
Ricci’s two garden sanctuaries are located at the end of the road running through the small village of Pievelunga; the first garden is built on land next to the artist’s home and the second is just a few meters away. Ricci is sociable, friendly, and proud of his creations, so enjoys welcoming visitors.
~Giulia Pettinari
Map & Site Information
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