If you love photography or simply beautiful landscapes this is the article for you. Tuscany offers a thousand postcard views and is certainly one of the most photographed landscapes in the world. We suggest you take a photo tour among Crete Senesi, a magic dream territory. This landscape features cultivated fields crossed by rows of cypresses. The real characters are however the “calanchi” and “biancane”(gullies) caused by the erosion of the clay soil (“Crete” from “creta”, literally clay).
Here you will find hidden treasures like rows of cypresses, picturesque views, dirt roads and secluded farms that will be the perfect subject for the most beautiful photos. But do you know what are the most photographed things in this area? In this article we will tell you about the most beautiful, photographed and suggestive views.
At the bottom of the article you will find the map with all the geolocalized points to reach them more easily. The recommend spots are not only picture-worthy corners but also places to be discovered and experienced in harmony with the surroundings. Our farmhouse Podere Salicotto has the perfect location, between Crete Senesi and Val d’Orcia, two of the most beautiful landscapes of Tuscany.
Here are the 7 most photographed spots of the Crete Senesi.
Chiusure
Among gullies and clay
The first stop where you can take stunning pictures is Chiusure. A small village located right in the heart of the Crete Senesi. The landscape is made unique by the characteristic “calanchi and biancane” (gullies) that givie life to a moonlike scenery. The village has no buildings of great importance but is a small jewel, off the main tourist routes. Entering the ancient gateway you find yourself on steep lanes with views rolling off over the rural landscape interrupted by calanchi’s white colour. This is the most classic landscape of the Crete Senesi. Chiusure is just 1km from the next stage of our photo tour: the abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore.
Monte Oliveto Maggiore
A peaceful and meditative feeling
And here we are in Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a place not to be missed when you are in the Crete Senesi. The abbey is located in a splendid position among the typical gullies of the area, in the middle of a forest with cypresses and oaks. Here you can take great pictures of the abbey in the distance or along the picturesque road of cypress trees leading up to it the abbey. You feel an atmosphere of peace and meditation, you can visit the interior of the abbey, the cloister, the refectory and the library. You can also taste the products produced by the abbey farm. –> Read More
Zigzag road of cypress trees
Inside a postcard
The next stop is one of the most photographed not only of the Crete Senesi but of all Tuscany. This is the famous road lined with cypress trees with a characteristic “S” shape. One of the most famous photos on postcards, desktops and calendars. Surely you have seen this picture but now you can take it your own. Please check the exact location on the map at the bottom of the article.
Strada di Leonina
Inside another postcard
At this point drive on and pass the village of Asciano. The next spot is another road with cypress trees which is also very popular and beautiful at sunset. We are on the Strada di Leonina leading to Site Transitoire, the next photo point on our list.
Site transitoire
Art in the heart of the landscape
Here art merges with the landscape. You can photograph Site Transitoire, a striking sculptural work by a French artist Jean-Paul Philippe. After some houses and a small olive grove on the right you can leave the car and continue on foot. After a curve and a slight slope you will reach the top of the hill where you will find the sculpture. We suggest you sit on the “stone throne” and enjoy the views of the beautiful landscape rolling off in every direction and as far as Siena. If you are lucky enough to be here at sunset, exceptional photos are guaranteed.
The hay rolls
Among cultivated fields, gullies and cypresses
One of the favorite subjects of amateur and professional photographers are hay bales scattered all over the wheat fields in summer. There is no precise place that we can suggest to you but we are sure you will find your personal spot to take the most beautiful photos, including wheat fields, gullies and cypresses. This picture was taken at Podere Salicotto by Paolo Naldi, a great photographer and friend. Thank you Paolo!
Sunsets
Magic moments
Needless to say, the sunset is the best time, the golden hour, to take the most beautiful pictures in this breathtaking landscape. Sometimes it even happens that the sunset itself becomes the subject of the photo. This beautiful area can offer unforgettable and precious sunsets, magic moments to be enjoyed in silence, without haste. This picture was taken at Podere Salicotto by our dear guest Charles Heurion, a great photographer and friend. Thank you Charles!
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