The grove is composed of two separate clusters of trees, often photographed to appear as a single formation depending on the viewer's angle.
The trees are planted in a distinctive circular pattern atop a rise that lacks other dense vegetation, emphasizing their solitary visual profile.
These cypresses are located on a working farm, meaning the surrounding crops change seasonally between winter wheat and summer stubble.
The trees sit on a property once part of the larger landscape restoration projects that maintain the characteristic look of the Val d'Orcia UNESCO site.
The Cipressi di San Quirico d'Orcia is a prominent group of cypress trees situated on a hilltop in the Val d'Orcia region of Tuscany. This landmark serves as one of the most photographed agricultural landscapes in Italy, symbolizing the iconic aesthetic of the Val d'Orcia UNESCO World Heritage site. The cluster consists of two distinct groups of Mediterranean cypress trees (Cupressus sempervirens) set against the rolling hills of the Crete Senesi. The trees are located directly along the SS2 Cassia road, which historically connected Rome to northern Italy. The site occupies private agricultural land, requiring visitors to view the trees from the roadside without trespassing. It has served as a frequent backdrop in cinema, commercial photography, and travel media due to its geometric silhouette against the sky.
From the designated gravel pull-off along the SS2, looking upward toward the hillcrest.
Use a telephoto lens to compress the distance between the trees and the rolling hills in the background.
Park safely in designated pull-offs along the SS2 road rather than stopping in the middle of the active traffic lane.
Respect the private property boundaries by staying on the road shoulder to take photos.
Attempting to walk across the active wheat or ploughed fields to get closer to the trees, which is considered trespassing.
Do not enter the fields or approach the trees directly, as they are on private agricultural land.
