In the early 1960s, Italy was experiencing a brief but intense economic boom. This period of prosperity brought with it a new lifestyle characterized by flashy cars, rock ‘n’ roll, and a boundless optimism about the future. It was during this time that the enigmatic entrepreneur Mario Bagno conceived an ambitious plan to transform the quiet, rural town of Consonno into a bustling tourist attraction.
Bagno purchased every plot of land in Consonno and relocated the small population. He then razed the entire village, sparing only a few houses and the church, to make way for his grand vision: the “city of toys.” This Las Vegas-inspired complex was intended to attract tourists from Milan, located just an hour away.
Bagno’s vision for Consonno was extravagant. The pleasure paradise would feature shopping malls, restaurants, ballrooms, and a luxury hotel, each themed after different architectural styles. The commercial gallery resembled a Muslim minaret, Chinese pagodas adorned the gardens, and a fake medieval castle marked the entrance. There were even plans for a basketball court, a zoo, and an autodrome.
However, disaster struck a few years into the construction. The main road to Consonno was washed away, cutting off access and eliminating the site’s main source of visitors. The project came to a halt, and Consonno was left abandoned. Today, the half-finished buildings stand in ruins, covered in graffiti and slowly deteriorating under the weight of time. Consonno, built on the ashes of its former self, now faces the same fate.
Know Before You Go
- Consonno is located approximately an hour from Milan by car.
- The site is abandoned and exploring it is at your own risk.
- Visitors can wander through the remnants of the themed buildings and witness the haunting beauty of this deserted “city of toys.”
