The rolling green hills and pretty medieval towns of Tuscany get mentioned a lot around here and for good reason; these iconic images of the region, as presented in books and on screens are often the motivating factor for people to first have an interest in visiting Tuscany in order to see it for themselves and they are, indeed, truly stunning. While a villa in Tuscany and a drive in almost any direction on almost any road is likely to produce incredible scenery sooner rather than later, there are, of course, some areas that are among the most visited, photographed, and written about for their particular aesthetic merit. One such area is the impossibly picturesque Lucciola Bella Nature Reserve in Pienza, at the heart of the Arcadian Val d'Orcia.
Located along the road leading from the Val d'Orcia to Chianciano Terme and encompassing the most easterly part of the landscape of the beloved Crete Senesi, the Lucciola Bella Nature Reserve is a protected area that presents, in part, what most would imagine as the typically Tuscan terrain. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2004 due to its incredibly unique value as an example of a natural landscape that was redesigned in the Renaissance period according to the ideals of the time, this is one of eleven nature reserves in Siena that has been established to protect the unique natural, cultural, and aesthetic heritage of this gorgeous part of the world. So, if you have found a villa with pool in Siena and are looking to plan outings in the area, be sure to set aside some time to just drive around and observe the stunning landscape and to specifically take in the sight of the endlessly lovely Lucciola Bella Nature Reserve with your own eyes.
While the road pictured above, that connects the Val d’Orcia to Chianciano and leads to the Lucciola Bella Farm (which is, itself, an ideal place to take in sweeping views over the reserve) and is so famously framed by cypress trees following the curve of the road, is the most photographed road in Italy and the most famous part of the reserve, it is not all there is to it. The Lucciola Bella Nature Reserve is actually comprised of many fascinating features and areas and was formed by ancient natural forces as well as curated human hands. One of the more striking parts of the reserve is the section of the Crete Senesi that falls within its bounds. A landscape typical to the southern area of the province of Siena, it is a hilly, dramatic, craggy, and fascinating part of the world that was formed by erosion by the Tyrrhenian Sea a million years ago. This also led to the formation of the calanchi (or ravines) and biancane (highly dissected surfaces along a reticular system of small joints) that are so typical of this area. In addition, the traditional agricultural landscape of this part of the world remains intact despite the passing of time that has so changed other places so dramatically. Furthermore, it is an important haven for numerous species of birds including the rare occhione and the harrier.
Vitally important to the ecology of the area, utterly special, wonderfully unblemished, and exceptionally lovely to look at, this iconic part of the Tuscan landscape is so beloved and well-known and highly documented for a reason – or, rather, for many, many reasons! So, if you have browsed our vacation rentals in Siena and have found the right one for you, then be sure to come and see it for yourself on your holiday in this impossibly scenic part of Tuscany.
While the road pictured above, that connects the Val d’Orcia to Chianciano and leads to the Lucciola Bella Farm (which is, itself, an ideal place to take in sweeping views over the reserve) and is so famously framed by cypress trees following the curve of the road, is the most photographed road in Italy and the most famous part of the reserve, it is not all there is to it. The Lucciola Bella Nature Reserve is actually comprised of many fascinating features and areas and was formed by ancient natural forces as well as curated human hands. One of the more striking parts of the reserve is the section of the Crete Senesi that falls within its bounds. A landscape typical to the southern area of the province of Siena, it is a hilly, dramatic, craggy, and fascinating part of the world that was formed by erosion by the Tyrrhenian Sea a million years ago. This also led to the formation of the calanchi (or ravines) and biancane (highly dissected surfaces along a reticular system of small joints) that are so typical of this area. In addition, the traditional agricultural landscape of this part of the world remains intact despite the passing of time that has so changed other places so dramatically. Furthermore, it is an important haven for numerous species of birds including the rare occhione and the harrier.
Vitally important to the ecology of the area, utterly special, wonderfully unblemished, and exceptionally lovely to look at, this iconic part of the Tuscan landscape is so beloved and well-known and highly documented for a reason – or, rather, for many, many reasons! So, if you have browsed our vacation rentals in Siena and have found the right one for you, then be sure to come and see it for yourself on your holiday in this impossibly scenic part of Tuscany.
