The Crete Senesi

The Crete Senesi

by | Aug 17, 2014 | Photography

Last week I posted a photo from the Chianti region of Tuscany in Italy. The Chianti region is known for it’s vine- and olive-yards. There are, however, very different landscapes to be seen in Tuscany, completely lacking the lush and green freshness of the grape- and olive fields.

South of the Chianti region you will find the Crete Senesi. This region, within the province of Siena, has a landscape with distinctive coloration in the soil reaching from grey, to yellow, to brownish, giving it an almost lunar feeling. The landscape contains a range of rolling hills and woods among villages, where small roads leading up to cottages and farms are often marked by Cypress trees. Although completely different from Chianti the Crete Senesi is open and nonetheless very beautiful in it’s own characteristic way.

The attached photos were taken around Asciano, southwest of Siena.

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Continuing further south from Asciano I can highly recommend visiting the hill-top town of Montalcino, famous for it’s excellent Brunello di Montalcino wine. Standing on the north walls of the town you will get a fantastic view over the Crete Senesi.

First sunbeams in Chianti

First sunbeams in Chianti

by | Aug 10, 2014 | Photography

Two weeks ago we were traveling in Tuscany, Italy, and stayed for a few days in Radda in Chianti in the heart of the Chianti region. This region is famous for it’s beautiful and picturesque landscapes filled with vineyards, olive trees and typical Tuscan style cottages.

From our hotel room we had a magnificent view that demanded to be photographed at any time of day. My favorite moment was though during sunrise in the early morning when the light was still soft and the colors vibrant. The first sunbeams would strike the hills and cast long shadows.

Every morning at 6:15 am I would get up to open our bedroom window and enjoy the view, take a few photos to capture the sense and the beauty of Tuscany.

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If you would like to enjoy this view for yourself in real life I can highly recommend staying at hotel Relais Vignale in Radda in Chianti and ask for the Superior Double room with number 37.