The Best Photography locations around San Quirico d’Orcia, Tuscany

San Quirico d’Orcia is one of the most magical places on earth to take photography because, just in the village and around the village, you have amazing views. I usually stay at the Capitano hotel collection https://www.palazzodelcapitano.com/en/. Here are some of the best shots I got from the village and around.  

Bella Donna

This is the view from the hotel by the pool. You need a long lens to get this shot. This is a great sunrise and sunset photo. I call this the Eiffel Tower of San Quirico d’Orcia.

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Agriturismo Baccoleno 

This is another hotel with a great view too. It’s called Agriturismo Baccoleno. Here is the link: https://agriturismobaccoleno.it/en/ This is the perfect location to shoot in the path. There are a lot of weddings happening there. You can do drone photography. When you arrive, there is this little hill, and it is really magical. This is totally a sunrise spot and is really amazing. 

GPS location: https://goo.gl/maps/nqAHgUn4jreHdKK9A

 

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Cappella Madonna di Vitaleta

This little church was used a lot. You must have seen it in the movie the Gladiator by Ridley Scott. And it’s a famous location. Apparently, it is great at sunrise. I shot this at sunset. It was the best photo I got. But the whole area is incredible. 

GPS location: https://goo.gl/maps/8H4ZJ86QDVwRU7CZA

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Tuscany Pines 

Those little trees were on my way to the hotel, so I stopped by to take a photo. You can just walk around and get some good shots there. I advise you to do long exposure photography or to go at sunset. 

GPS location: https://goo.gl/maps/EiT6QF6p4VSNSK4N9

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Monticchiello Cypress trees

This is another great spot, with a serpentine road full of Tuscany pines. It is truly a must. It was incredible to see. I wasn’t very satisfied with this shot, but I am sure you can take amazing photos there!

GPS data: https://goo.gl/maps/BhvqCinbjEjTAMsF9

 

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Ancient Roman Bath  

This is a great place, very ancient, the water was so blue, the whole area got such a great vibe to it. It’s about 20 minutes from the village. Totally recommend it. 

GPS DATA: https://goo.gl/maps/P7yVBLtiBvqjMXSR9 

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San Quirico d’Orcia Village  

is incredible in itself, it is a walled city, you can wander around and find some good spots to capture the beauty of this village. 

 

Credit: Camilo Pineda

Credit: Camilo Pineda

San Quirico d’Orcia, Village

Here is the garden in San Quirico d’Orcia. There is this beautiful garden that is very well maintained, and there are some great composition photos you can take: 

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Honestly, the whole place is incredible at sunrise, it is breathtaking. I also use this website for other inspirations: https://www.locationscout.net/locations/1026-val-dorcia

All these photos were taken just around San Quirico D'orcia

And the little plus is my favorite restaurant in Italy happens to be there!

Tuscan-trattoria 

https://www.palazzodelcapitano.com/en/tuscany/tuscan-trattoria/

I love truffles, and they are very generous with them; they have a truffle menu that is to die for. My favorite is their Filet with fresh spaghetti with truffles!

Have fun in Tuscany!

 - Serge

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to photograph San Quirico d'Orcia?

Sunrise, almost everywhere in this guide — Agriturismo Baccoleno, the Cappella Madonna di Vitaleta, and the village itself are all described as sunrise spots, though the chapel also works beautifully at sunset.

Where can I see the famous Tuscan cypress road near San Quirico d'Orcia?

The winding cypress-lined road is near Monticchiello, a short drive from the village — it is one of the most photographed roads in Tuscany.

Is the Cappella Madonna di Vitaleta really from the movie Gladiator?

Yes — the small chapel was used as a filming location in Ridley Scott's Gladiator and remains one of the most photographed spots in the Val d'Orcia.

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