Just outside Corris- small Welsh village between Machynlleth and Dolgellau- lies one of the most unique places in whole of UK. One may wonder through the beautiful woodland and abruptly stop in disbelief. Moment ago you had your eyes on majestic mountains of Snowdonia and now you are face to face with The Leaning Tower of Piza. There is Rome’s Mouth of Truth, there is Florence Duomo and Rialto Bridge of Venice. Moment later you spot Michelangelo’s David. Tiles covered with Roman inscriptions. You pinch your cheek, you rub your eyes. Something doesn’t add up here- are you sure you are still in Wales?
Well done- you just stumbled across Little Italy- arguably the most quirky spot in Snowdonia. Little Italy is a collection of over 200 miniature replicas of Italian famous landmarks. Skillfully crafted by a local resident Mark Bourne with the help of his wife, Muriel, inspired by his travels to Italy.
Mark must have loved Italy so much that every time he was coming back to Wales, he was bringing back something more than just memories- his sketchbook was full of drawings, plans and architectural sketches. With a little bit of chicken wire and lots of dedication he spend years (some sources quote even 25 years!) creating his masterpiece. Not for the world to see but to enjoy it- in his back garden.
Yes, in his back garden. Little Italy was never meant as a tourist destination. While some of the replicas are next to the public path- most of them are on a private property. You can still see and enjoy them but not from a close up.
How to find Little Italy?
This hidden gem is one you have to add to your bucket list, a travel destination you can’t miss. And, unlike Portmeirion, it’s free to see. But how to get there?
Finding Little Italy is actually easier than you may think (at least that’s my experience). Once you arrive in Corris, you can park your car by Corris Craft Centre and take a little walk. If you use public transport- there are frequent buses between Dolgellau and Machynlleth that stop at Corris.
All you have to do is follow the main street towards Corris Uchaf, once past Corris Hostel, carry on uphill for few hundred meters until you see the path heading right towards the woodlands. Once you get going on a rather steep incline- that’s it. You have found it.
Please remember to be mindful and respectful- this is a private property! (also- there are free range chickens in the garden so keep your dogs on the lead- one of them jumped on the path right next to me!) Mark Bourne passed away in 2009, then the place became AirBnB for a little bit, and last year another family moved in. I’ve had the pleasure to meet the new owner (didn’t ask of his name) as he was leaving the house while I was in awe staring at the replicas. We both greeted each other. ‘Have you made all of this?’. ‘No’ he smiled ‘We bought the property not knowing how popular this place is’. Then he carried on telling me a little bit about the buldings, the maintenance and how they discover new things all the time. I can’t even imagine how much work looking after all of this must be!
Turns out- you don’t have to book flight tickets to see the most famous Italian landmarks- you just have to come to Wales.
Outdoors with Karolina 