Under the Tuscan Sun and Beyond: Famous Films That Were Shot in Tuscany
Tuscany has long enchanted travellers with its rolling hills, golden light, vineyards, and medieval villages — but it’s not just holidaymakers who fall in love with it. Directors and film crews from all over the world have been drawn to the region’s irresistible beauty, choosing it as the backdrop for some of the most iconic films ever made.
So whether you’re a movie buff or just love a good view, here’s how you can step into scenes from some of the silver screen’s most memorable moments.
🎥 1. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) – Cortona
Perhaps the most famous of all, Under the Tuscan Sun follows Frances Mayes as she spontaneously buys a villa in Tuscany to rebuild her life. Most of the movie was filmed in Cortona, a picturesque hilltop town with winding streets, beautiful piazzas, and breathtaking views.
Stay nearby: Discover romantic villas just outside Cortona, where you can sip wine on a sun-drenched terrace and feel like you’ve stepped right into the film.
🎥 2. Gladiator (2000) – Val d’Orcia
Who could forget the emotional ending of Gladiator, with Maximus walking through the Elysian Fields? These hauntingly beautiful scenes were filmed in the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cypress-lined lanes and cinematic landscapes.
Don’t miss: Take a drive through this stunning region and stay in a villa nestled among the vineyards and olive groves — it’s Tuscany at its most timeless.
🎥 3. The English Patient (1996) – Montepulciano & Pienza
This Oscar-winning epic set during World War II used various Tuscan locations to portray the Italian countryside and ruined monasteries. The towns of Montepulciano and Pienza featured heavily, their renaissance architecture offering the perfect dramatic setting.
Idyllic escape: Choose a historic villa near these towns and explore the same cobbled streets where movie history was made.
🎥 4. A Room with a View (1985) – Florence
While much of this romantic classic takes place in Florence, the Tuscan countryside also plays a supporting role. The film captured the beauty of Fiesole, just outside Florence, where the characters picnic against a backdrop of rolling hills.
Stay with a view: We offer villas just a short drive from Florence, ideal for those wanting both city elegance and rural tranquillity.
🎥 5. Life is Beautiful (1997) – Arezzo
Roberto Benigni’s heartwarming (and heartbreaking) masterpiece was filmed in the medieval town of Arezzo. With its ancient piazzas and warm stone buildings, it provides the perfect setting for a film that balances joy and sorrow so delicately.
Explore the magic: Stay in a nearby villa and experience the charm of Arezzo, from its antique markets to its cinematic streets.
Live your own Tuscan story
At Idyllic Italy Villas, we believe every guest should feel like the star of their own Italian adventure. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of Hollywood legends or simply soaking in the beauty of the Tuscan hills, we’ll help you find the perfect place to stay.
Contact us today with your villa requirements: contact@idyllicitaly.co.uk +44 (0) 161 787 8587
Browse our collection of handpicked villas in Tuscany and let the magic of the movies inspire your next escape:
🌐 www.idyllicitaly.co.uk