One of the most famously beautiful parts of Tuscany is the UNESCO-awarded Val D’Orcia. This part of the region that extends from the hills south of Siena to Monte Amiata and is home to the towns of Pienza, Radicofani, and Montalcino. It is the place from which our perfect postcard pictures of Tuscany, the very first images of the region that come to mind when you think of Tuscany, come from. These are the undulating green hills broken only by roads winding throughout and the odd tree, old farmhouse, or beautiful hilltop medieval town or village that have made the countryside of Tuscany so iconic and famously stunning worldwide. If you have found a vacation rental in the Val D’Orcia, however, and are exploring the region, there is one particular spot to head to in order to take in perhaps the most famous and most beautiful panorama in all over Italy: the Podere Belvedere.
If you are on a Val D’Orcia scenic drive and you are looking for a Val D’Orcia photo spot, then look no further than this gem. The Podere Belvedere is actually the name of an old stone farmhouse that is visible in the famous view and so when people talk about going to see the Podere Belvedere, they really mean the view and not just the house. When we talk about going to this spot, we actually mean going to the hills that look over this area in order to include that photogenic old house on a hilltop surrounded by trees and the valley of rolling lush green hills that unfolds below, with a ring of mountains in the distance and, ideally, a foggy blanket covering it all in wisps, completing the whole look.
To take it in for yourself, head to the road out of San Quirico towards Pienza, a short distance (around fifteen minutes walk and only a few minutes in a car) from the town you’ll spot the house. Be careful not to bother locals by encroaching on private lands, however, as this popular spot attracts lots of people and you don’t want to be considered a rude tourist imposing on anyone’s home. Other than that, snap away and enjoy the amazing view! Head in the late afternoon or early evening for that lovely soft golden light that really makes Tuscany look especially magical!
To take it in for yourself, head to the road out of San Quirico towards Pienza, a short distance (around fifteen minutes walk and only a few minutes in a car) from the town you’ll spot the house. Be careful not to bother locals by encroaching on private lands, however, as this popular spot attracts lots of people and you don’t want to be considered a rude tourist imposing on anyone’s home. Other than that, snap away and enjoy the amazing view! Head in the late afternoon or early evening for that lovely soft golden light that really makes Tuscany look especially magical!
