If you’re looking for the most beautiful photo locations in the Tuscan countryside, you’re in the right place. Rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, stone farmhouses and tiny hilltop towns make Tuscany one of the most photogenic regions in Italy.
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After spending a week road-tripping through Tuscany, I tracked down some of the most iconic viewpoints and photography spots in the region that look like taken straight from a painting or a postcard. In this guide, you’ll find 8 photo locations in the Tuscan countryside that are worth adding to your itinerary, from famous cypress roads and historic chapels to the exact spot where scenes from Gladiator were filmed.
I stayed in Agriturismo Bonello, not far from Pienza and absolutely loved my time there!
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Where are the best photo locations in the Tuscan countryside?
Tuscany is beautiful all over, but there’s one region, that seems to be winning in “the place where everyone goes and takes the same pictures” contest and this region is called: Val d’Orcia.
Val d’Orcia is a valley located in southern Tuscany, that extends from the hills south of Siena even further south to Monte Amiata. And yes, it’s true, that everyone seems to go there, but as always, it’s totally justified. Val d’Orcia and its surroundings are just full of iconic photo locations of the Tuscan countryside.
If you want to know more about Val d’Orcia, be sure to check out my other blog post. I devoted an entire guide to this beautiful corner of Tuscany, covering the best viewpoints, charming towns, scenic drives, and practical tips for planning your trip.
Where are they and how to find those photo spots?
Keep reading!
2026 Update!
Tuscany’s most famous photo locations have become increasingly popular in recent years. While all the spots in this guide are still worth visiting, don’t expect to have them all to yourself, especially during peak season. For the best experience (and the best photos), try to visit early in the morning or around sunset.
How to visit all these photo locations?
The short answer: you’ll need a car. Most of the spots in this guide are scattered across the Tuscan countryside and aren’t easily reached by public transport. Renting a car is really the only option. Secure your Fiat500 now!
And don’t forget to read my blog post about driving in Tuscany! It can be challenging if it’s your first time. In the guide, I share everything you need to know about ZTL zones, parking, road conditions, and a few lessons I learned along the way.
And now, let’s get straight into it!
8 most iconic photo spots in the Tuscan countryside
1. Agriturismo Baccoleno
This was the first Tuscan photo location that we visited and it still remains one of my favourites. Even though it was super windy when we were there, we liked it so much, that we came back later to have a little sunset-watching picnic. Because yes, not only is it an iconic spot, it’s also a perfect place to watch the sunset. Wine, pizza and sunset colours. What more can you want!
Where is it?
This, 100%-must-visit place is located between Asciano and a small town called San Giovanni d’Asso. Fun fact: despite appearing in countless Val d’Orcia guides (not mine), Agriturismo Baccoleno isn’t actually located in Val d’Orcia. It’s part of the neighbouring Crete Senesi region.
How to get there?
Type Agriturismo Baccoleno in your Google maps and follow the road SP60. There will be a few pull-ins along the road, all very close to the driveway of the Agriturismo, so stop there. You shouldn’t turn into the driveway if you’re not staying there.
Best time to visit
Sunset! I went there for sunrise too..it was pretty too, but sunset definitely wins!
Reality check!
Social media made this place incredibly popular, so don’t expect to have it for yourself. For a quieter experience, skip the main viewpoint and head to the left side of the hill instead. The angle is slightly different, but you’ll likely have far fewer people around.
2. Cipressi di San Quirico d’Orcia
Cipressi di San Quirico d’Orcia, or the cypress trees of San Quirico d’Orcia, are an iconic symbol of Tuscany’s picturesque landscape. Located in the Val d’Orcia region of central Italy, these trees create an beautiful scene that has captured the hearts of photographers, painters, and travelers from around the world. The trees are especially stunning at sunrise and sunset, but because of a very limited parking, I’d recommend getting there as early as you can.
Where is it?
The trees are located on the SR2 road between San Quirico d’Orcia and Torrenieri.
How to get there?
Yeah, that’s a bit problematic. There used to be lay-bys on either side of the road SR2. But…UPDATE 2026, they are unavailable now – marked as private property. There is an alternative route to get here (seen on Google maps), but it’s a bumpy dirt road that isn’t much fun in a regular rental car. And definitely not in your Fiat500. I’d still try getting there, because it’s such an iconic spot, but be prepared for some difficulties.
Best time to visit
Sunrise or after sunrise. In general, in the morning.
If you walk up the path that you’ll see on your left side (when facing the trees), you’ll get to another great photo spot. Those cypress trees look the best from a drone perspective, but a normal camera will do as well.
3. Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta
Another iconic photo location in the Tuscan countryside. Whatever your religious beliefs are, this little chapel is a must-see spot. Located on a little hill in the middle of the fields, this mystical building surrounded by cypress trees will charm you with its beauty. There’s a reason why it’s one of the most photographed Tuscan landmarks.
Where is it?
The chapel is located “along” the road SS146, between San Quirico d’Orcia and Pienza.
How to get there?
There are actually two ways you can admire it: from afar and from close up.
From afar: When driving on SS146 from San Quirico d’Orcia towards Pienza there’s a lay-by on the right side, where you can stop and see it from far away.
To actually visit it: When driving on SS146 from San Quirico d’Orcia towards Pienza, there’s a small sign post on the right side directing you to the Cappella. You have to turn onto a side road and drive around 2,5 km until you reach a little crossroads where people leave their cars. Leave your car as well and walk to the chapel around 500-600 meters. There’s a gate at the beginning, but don’t be scared, you can walk there. I guess.
Best time to visit
Definitely in the evening. During the day the sun is very harsh.
4. Gladiator “Coming home” spot
Next spot is for movie fans. “Gladiator” movie fans in particular. In the heart of Tuscany lies a picturesque location that played a big role in the filming of Ridley Scott’s epic movie. The scene shot there portrays the protagonist, Maximus Decimus Meridius’s, idyllic home.
Honest opinion? The view is beautiful, but I don’t think it’s one of the best in Tuscany. If you’re not a fan of the movie, you won’t miss much by skipping this stop and spending more time at some of the region’s other iconic viewpoints.
Where is it?
On the outskirts of Pienza.
How to get there?
Type “Gladiator Homecoming Scene” in your Google maps and follow the path. Ha! I know, that’s cheating, but that’s really the best way of getting there. From Pienza walk downhill towards Pieve dei Santi Vito e Modesto a Corsignano. It’s a historic chapel where Popes were baptized. From there follow the well-worn path towards the fields. The whole walk from Pienza will take around 20 min. There are some hills on the way, especially when coming back, so be ready!
TIP: don’t park your car next to the church! There’s no parking sign there and you might get the ticket.
Best time to visit.
Sunset.
5. Pienza city walls
When you pass all the amazing sights on the SS146 and finally reach Pienza, you shouldn’t miss a walk along it’s city walls. Pienza, being a UNESCO Heritage Site is gorgeous itself, but the view of Val d’Orcia stretching out from the city walls into the distance will blow your mind.
Where is it?
In Pienza, Tuscany. Ha!
How to get there?
Park your car in Parcheggio Seminario Vescovile (free parking, at least on a Sunday) and walk literally 30 seconds towards the city walls.
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When to visit?
For the best colours: sunrise or sunset. During the day, the sun is usually to harsh. Crowd-wise – it doesn’t matter. The walls are long, you can always find a place for yourself.
6. Palazzo Massaini
Impressive villas and farmhouses are part of the Tuscan landscape. In recent years, many of them were transformed into hotels or “agriturismo”. So if you want to, you can, I’d even say you should, stay in one of them to have a full Tuscan experience. We actually didn’t stay in Palazzo Massaini, we just spotted it while driving from Pienza to Monteplulciano, and couldn’t resist taking a picture.
Where is it?
A few km outside Pienza, on the road SS146 towards Montepulciano.
How to get there?
By car! Surprise, surprise! When driving along SS146 towards Montepulciano it will be on your left side.
When to visit?
I’d recommend visiting in the morning or late afternoon. The light is much nicer for photos, and you’ll have a better chance of avoiding the crowds. Palazzo Massaini is no longer a hidden gem, and it’s not unusual to find a small queue of photographers waiting for the same shot.
8. Row of cypress trees leading to Agriturismo Poggio Covili
Another iconic photo location in the Tuscan countryside. This driveway bordered by cypress trees leading to Poggio Covili presents probably the greatest straight line of cypress trees in the whole Val d’Orcia. It looks incredible when you’re on it, but appears even more spectacular from a distance. You simply shouldn’t miss the opportunity to stop and take a photo. But get ready to stand in a line.
Where is it?
Just outside Bagno Vignoni, along SR2.
How to get there?
When driving on SR2 from Bagno Vignoni towards Gallina, it will be on the left side.
When to visit?
Crowd-wise, morning is the clear winner. This spot is no secret anymore, and it can get quite busy during the day. For photos, I’d still choose morning or golden hour. The morning light isn’t perfect and there can already be some harsh shadows, but it’s still much better than visiting in the middle of the day.
7. Serpentine road of cypress trees
There many serpentine roads flanked with cypress trees in Val d’Orcia. Duh! But this one, is one of the most famous and most photographed. It starts in Monticchiello and leads to Chianciano Terme. But to take this picture you obviously can’t be driving along it.
Honest opinion: This was probably my least favourite photo spot on the list. Maybe it was because I visited on a cloudy day in late August, when the fields were no longer bright green. It’s still a nice stop if you’re already in the area, though I think this location looks much more impressive from a drone than from ground level.
Where is it?
Just outside of Monticchiello.
How to get there?
From Monticchiello head south on the SP88 and turn onto the Via Campo Alla Piana (towards Azienda Agricola Pacini Anelida). Drive slowly up the hill, when you reach the top of the hill you can see it on the left side. If you reached Azienda Agricola, you went too far.
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When to visit?
Honestly, whenever it fits your itinerary. Crowds aren’t usually a problem here, and I don’t think the light makes a massive difference either.
That’s it!
Those are my 8 picks of the iconic photo locations in the Tuscan countryside. It might all seem a little bit confusing at the moment: complicated town names, the road numbers, secret places to park, but I promise you, that when you spend a few hours driving in Tuscany it will all make a perfect sense. And you also shouldn’t take a whole day from your itinerary just to chase these iconic Tuscan photo locations. You will likely come across most of those places when exploring Val d’Orcia or Tuscany in general. Especially if you follow my 7 day itinerary.
In preparation for the trip, don’t forget to check out my useful tips on driving in Tuscany.
And if you have any questions, hit me up on Instagram.
Hi, it’s Aga, the author of this blog. If you found this blog post interesting, entertaining or useful, please think of buying me a virtual coffee to support the site’s running costs. But if you know me, I might actually spend it on coffee. Thanks!
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This is such a beautiful are of Italy and all these spots are magical! Saving! And thank you for sharing!
It really is! I’m sure you will love it there! Thanks so much!
These locations are SUPER iconic Aga! Honestly it looks so beautiful and romantic! Thanks for sharing this, i am saving it for my travel in the future 😍
Thank you so much Mo! They really are! Especially all the winding roads and a chapel. You’d love it there!
Love all your photos! Italy looks such a dreamy place and can’t wait to travel to all these beautiful places! Your guide will surely come handy so thank you for all the info! ☺️💕
You’re very welcome! I’m sure you’ll love Tuscany! And thanks so much!