Visiting a real-life Geppetto on Pinnochio’s Island | Journey to Italy

VENICE, Italy — Venice is a water city — no cars here — just gondolas and boats that move people around canals and under bridges to nearly 100 islands. A city with shop owners and local craftsmen like Roberto Comin who works on Pinocchio’s Island.

“Pinocchio’s Island was a link between the island of Venice and our typical character who is a puppet,” said Roberto Comin.

Step inside his workshop in a 350-year-old building and you are immediately transported to a world of puppets.

“Behind the simple puppet, there is this ambition to create an object that is soul and therefore can communicate and can also express emotions or sensations,” said Comin.

Comin wasn’t always fascinated with puppets. As a younger man, he studied architecture.

“But one day I fell in love with a girl who lived in Tuscany. So, I did the madness of moving to Lucca, in a Tuscan city and, by chance, in this city, I met a puppeteer,” said Comin. “This master artist welcomed me. I became passionate about this job, this art.”

Comin married the girl, returned to Venice, and — over 32 years — has become the master of marionettes, including one of his favorites.

“Pinocchio is the classic puppet, therefore a classic Italian puppet,” said Comin.

You will notice Comin bears a striking resemblance to Geppetto, the woodcarver who created Pinocchio.

“That’s true. There is no doubt. Sure,” said Comin.

This real life Geppetto spends his life creating.

“This is the classic body of a puppet. This is soft wood. Pine wood. This is important, because it’s easier to work with,” said Comin.

The feet, head and hands are molded in wood pulp and then painted. Comin’s sister designs the costumes.

“I am also very lucky to have my sister who is a costume designer is a seamstress from a living. This has allowed me to collaborate with her,” said Comin.

Comin adds string and a wooden handle.

“That is essential to move the puppet,” said Comin.

His marionettes are brought to life.

Comin considers each of these puppets friends.

“I talk to them. I talk with my puppets. They keep me company certainly,” said Comin. “I make them friends of other puppets.”

In a city surrounded by water, there are hidden gems around every canal. The Pinocchio story may be a fable, but here in Venice, there is a real-life Geppetto bringing life out of wood.