Tuscany is home to some of the most extraordinary buildings, works of art, views and attractions in the world. You are really spoiled when it comes to things to see and do. However, there are some things that are more unusual, special and picturesque than others. Again, many things could have made this list but these are this author's picks of the most photogenic sights in Tuscany. Just bring your camera and capture these attractions and the memories that you make there to have and to keep forever.
3. The concentrated wonder of the Piazza della Signoria
The Piazza della Signoria in Florence is a focal point of the historical part of the city and a place where all tourists will inevitably end up there at some point during their time exploring the city. It is home to the Palazzo Vecchio (the old town hall), the iconic Fountain of Neptune, and the Loggia del Lanzi, a building that is open on two sides and has open arches on its facade that contains important examples of ancient and Renaissance sculptures.
3. The concentrated wonder of the Piazza della Signoria
The Piazza della Signoria in Florence is a focal point of the historical part of the city and a place where all tourists will inevitably end up there at some point during their time exploring the city. It is home to the Palazzo Vecchio (the old town hall), the iconic Fountain of Neptune, and the Loggia del Lanzi, a building that is open on two sides and has open arches on its facade that contains important examples of ancient and Renaissance sculptures.
This open-air gallery gives the passer-by the opportunity to see wonderful works of art – such as Cellini's marble statue of Perseus and Giambologna's “Rape of the Sabine Women” – at any time of the day or year for free. This whole square is stuffed full of art and architectural gems and warrants time to be spent there and many, many pictures to be taken of it. The setting means that every image will be enriched, like this one that I took, for example, which is of a sculpture but has the Palazzo Vecchio as a backdrop and a bonus. Just find a vacation rental in Florence and explore the area.
4. The impossibly pretty The Piccolomini Gardens
Pienza is a small village in the Val d'Orcia that is often known as the "ideal Renaissance city” and was the creation of the great humanist Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who later became Pope Pius II.
4. The impossibly pretty The Piccolomini Gardens
Pienza is a small village in the Val d'Orcia that is often known as the "ideal Renaissance city” and was the creation of the great humanist Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who later became Pope Pius II.
The town itself is a photogenic beauty but a particular highlight is the Palazzo Piccolomini's loggia with its hanging garden. It offers breathtaking views across the Val d'Orcia and is the first hanging garden of the Renaissance. An Italianate garden almost without equal, its design of 500 years ago and its furniture have somehow survived almost untouched over the years. There are few places this perfectly pretty and harmonious in the world so be sure to get a snap of it! Just find a luxury villa in Pienza and explore this beautiful town.
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: Sailko / CC BY-SA 2.0
picture 3: Sailko / CC BY-SA 2.0
