The Italian vocabulary is full of adjectives, yet words never seem to be enough when talking about the Val d'Orcia. Suggestive, magical, unspoiled. But also calm and firm in its self-congratulatory beauty. If you've never been there, it's one of the stops to visit at least once in a lifetime. Among farmhouses, fields and cypresses we discover more of this prestigious place.
Val d'Orcia, characteristics
It is inevitable to the eye: the splendor of this valley is an objective fact. However, in 2004 Unesco made it universal by giving it the recognition of World Heritage Site. But what's so special about it? Let's start with a small geographical premise. The Val d'Orcia owes its name to the river that crosses it, the river Orcia precisely. It is constituted of a valley extended between the provinces of Siena and Grosseto, in southern Tuscany. Attractive in all seasons, it is characterized by a nature that here becomes the real protagonist. So what are the most typical aspects?
Wheat fields, olive groves and vineyards. It is in this land that famous wines are produced, such as Brunello di Montalcino and Montepulciano. A scenic wonder in which there are castles, farmhouses, farmhouses and numerous villages. Places of historical importance, such as Pienza "ideal city of the Renaissance" or San Quirico d'Orcia, an important stop on the Via Francigena. And again the elegant Montepulciano, articulated in an ups and downs of streets, where you can see the curious Pulcinella tower that beats the hours. But there is an absolute protagonist who lives in the Val d'Orcia, a protagonist who cannot go unnoticed. Indeed, he could be elected king of this special place. Tall, slender and with a majestic bearing, is the cypress.
The cypress
There is no photo of the Val d'Orcia without cypress. Widely widespread in this part of Tuscany, the plant comes from very far away. In geographical terms why it is native to Asia Minor, in temporal terms because it refers to the myth of Cyparissus. Imported several centuries before Christ, it has been loved since ancient times. A passion that continues today and of which the numerous shots that portray her are proof. There are many professionals who remain stationed for several minutes, and perhaps even hours, to capture the best moment.
Dominant in every point of the Val d'Orcia, il cypress is an icon of this place, drawing the landscape that is already sensational in itself. A tree which appears here as revered and which frees it completely from the widely diffused image of “cemetery keeper”. Commonly the cypress refers to a sad idea, as it often finds its place in burial fields. The choice is dictated by the roots of the plant; instead of developing on the surface, they extend in depth and this allows to preserve the integrity of the tombs. But what are the best views of the Val d'Orcia? In 2020, you no longer have to run into blindly looking for places. Even the traditional word of mouth appears to be outdated, or rather improved by current technologies.
In this sense, Instagram is an excellent help, acting as a showcase in which to trace location coordinates. Val d'Orcia is a beautiful land in every corner, ideal for those who want to fill their eyes with postcard images. Maybe aboard a motorcycle or a convertible to ideally take away a baggage of views.
