And take note of these 10 locations that you must photograph for your friends back home.
Where to Photograph in Tuscany
Florence
Every corner of Florence is a photographer’s delight. From Ponte Vecchio to the Boboli Gardens, the renaissance architects, painters, and sculptors created masterpieces throughout the city.
Yet one of the best views of this Tuscan city comes from Piazzale Michaelangelo. Take a hike just southeast of the old town for spectacular views of Brunelleschi’s dome. Similarly, Santa Maria del Fiore and the old tower of Palazzo Vecchio make great pictures. Of course, it is a climb up the hill, but the soft morning light over the city creates spectacular images.
Chianti
However, don’t forget to step outside of the city. The Chianti hills are exploding with colors especially in the fall. Ripe Sangiovese grapes hang low on miles of vines. Soon they will be pressed into the backbone of full-bodied Chianti Classico.
These hills undulate past each other in their own rhythm. Random hill towns are scattered over the countryside. Or maybe a Medici Villa is perched suggestively nearby. Early morning or late evening summer sunlight will give you great soft hues to round out your pictures.
Pratomagno
Chianti’s sister-hillside lies just to the northeast of the Arno river. Here, not only will you discover lovely green pastures, but also ancient churches. What you won’t find are lots of tourists.
For example, along the Via dei Sette Ponti, there are numerous hamlets and borghi frozen in time. Castelfranco di Sopra, Piantravigne and the lovely Loro Ciuffena beckon cyclists and photographers alike. These colors create a wonderful contrast to the emerald-green forest background.
Lucca
Lucca is not to miss on your trip to Tuscany. It is filled with fascinating historical monuments. The medieval walls date back to the 1500s. They are fully intact and are some of the only walls in Italy standing since that time.
In the center of the city lies the 13th C. Church of San Michele. Construction began around 1070 and the floor plan is in a basic Latin-cross style.
But the facade is particularly amazing. The Archangel Michael stands atop the decorated four rows of columns, in the act of defeating the dragon.
Siena
Siena has been Florence’s rival for hundreds of years. But it also challenges the ancient Medici city with its wealth of artistic treasures.
The Duomo di Siena (otherwise known as the Black and White Church) is constructed from two types of Carrara marble. The striations across the structure – and the golden highlights on the facade – make for great pictures in the evening glow.
Torre Mangia in Piazza del Campo is a necessary subject for late-afternoon pictures. The piazza itself is home to the famous Palio di Siena. This ancient horse race takes place in July and August every year. For excellent action shots with Siena as the backdrop, don’t miss this event!
Le Crete Senesi
Just southeast of Siena lay the enchanting Crete Senesi. The name derives from the clay – or creta – present in the local soil. As a result, these greyish-blue tones are characteristic of the countryside and extend for miles.
Therefore, these gently undulating hillsides are often topped with old isolated farmhouses. Ancient oak and cypress trees dot the ridges, giving a unique and outer-worldly feel to this terrestrial landscape.
San Quirico
Within the Crete Senesi, you’ll find charming villages. San Querico d’Orcia is one of those. This ancient Etruscan village was a popular stop along the Via Francigena in the 1900s.
Some of the noteworthy buildings are the Collegiata dei Santi Quirico and the Chiesa della Madonna di Vitaleta. However, all of the ancient buildings and roadways in town are worth a stop. Be sure to take a snap of the shutter.
Montepulciano
Primarily famous for its Vino Nobile, a few spins around Montepulciano will have you popping pictures at every turn.
A true experience for the senses, this ancient Etruscan town has many notable sites to see.
And plenty of wine to drink.
Most of all, be sure to photograph the Church of San Biagio. Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio built it in the 1500s. This extraordinary example of Italian Renaissance Art contains an interior worth investigating. Between Greek Orthodox crosses and a powerful pipe organ lie a multitude of frescos and sculpted marble.
Inland Elba
Off the southern coast of Tuscany, lies the small island of Elba. Situated between mainland Italy and Corsica, this small territory holds several surprises for the unsuspecting photographer.
For example, imagine vineyards full of aleatico grapes overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. These red grapes are famous for Elba’s DOC wine of the same name.
But this isn’t a flat island. Monte Perone, Monte Maolo and Monte Capanne (the island’s highest peak at 1020m) give depth and size to this limited geographic area.
Coastline Elba
Once on the island, don’t forget to stop by the coast. You’ll see a different side to Elba. In Portoferraio, don’t miss the stunning Jewish Cemetery.
The coastline around Portoferraio is stunning with its underwater caves and the lighthouse at Punta Stella. The ancient Roman Villa delle Grotte gives suggestive photos of a long-ago Roman settlement over the bay.
You don’t need to look hard to find plenty of picturesque opportunities in Tuscany. If you’re ready for a cycling and photography tour of Italy, fill out our form to get in touch with us today!
