Tuscany is a photogenic place with picture-perfect views and attractions around every corner. From the rolling hills topped by medieval villages and the valleys filled with vineyards, to the ideal Renaissance town of Pienza and staggering architectural gems of Florence, there are all sorts of must-see sights that you'll want to see with you own eyes and then capture on film forever.
Some of these things are well-known and obvious but there are some that you might never heard of before. This author has chosen some of her favourites to share with you; some of Tuscany's most photogenic sights and picturesque spots that you must track down!
1. The hills surrounding Dicomano
I recently wrote about the excellent Agriturismo Frascole, a winery in the Tuscan Apennines, where I had a wonderful day tasting wine with my family.
Some of these things are well-known and obvious but there are some that you might never heard of before. This author has chosen some of her favourites to share with you; some of Tuscany's most photogenic sights and picturesque spots that you must track down!
1. The hills surrounding Dicomano
I recently wrote about the excellent Agriturismo Frascole, a winery in the Tuscan Apennines, where I had a wonderful day tasting wine with my family.
We were immensely charmed by the people and the winery itself but a big part of its appeal was the setting. Located just outside the town of Dicomano, this part of Italy is full of romantically overgrown old train tracks, endless vineyards, cute little terracotta-roofed houses and stunning mountain views. It was there that I stumbled upon countless picture-perfect moments, including this image, which looks like something from an especially pretty postcard. My family don't always appreciate their surroundings but driving through this part of Tuscany, we all oohed and ahhed in appreciation with every turn around the corner. Just find a vacation rental in the Florence area and set aside a day to pay a visit to the area.
2. Giambologna's “Colossus of the Apennines” at Villa Demidoff
Villa Demidoff, or Villa di Pratolino, is a park in the Florentine hills. Originally home to a lovely villa and gardens built by Francesco I de' Medici for his Venetian mistress, Bianca Cappello in the 16th century, it is now a public park that is open from May to September.
2. Giambologna's “Colossus of the Apennines” at Villa Demidoff
Villa Demidoff, or Villa di Pratolino, is a park in the Florentine hills. Originally home to a lovely villa and gardens built by Francesco I de' Medici for his Venetian mistress, Bianca Cappello in the 16th century, it is now a public park that is open from May to September.
Amongst the remnants of the estate and gardens is Giambologna's “Colossus of the Apennines” a 35 feet tall personification of the Apennines that is both an immense sculpture and a building with chambers hidden inside. Massive and imposing, it makes for a striking sight, looming like a mountain come to life over the pond on the grounds. One of the most fascinating garden features I've ever seen, it demands to be photographed.
There are, of course, many more photogenic sights around Tuscany that you should visit so be sure to read on to the rest of this series.
There are, of course, many more photogenic sights around Tuscany that you should visit so be sure to read on to the rest of this series.
Photo credits
picture 3: Valerio Orlandini / CC BY-SA 2.5
picture 3: Valerio Orlandini / CC BY-SA 2.5
