The splendor of the cypresses: discover Viale dei Cipressi, the most iconic avenue in Tuscany

In the Bolgheri region, just over an hour from Florence, there is a route that leaves visitors and photographers spellbound: the Viale dei Cipressi, a scenic 5 km avenue lined with approximately 2,400 cypress trees standing like silent sentinels. Originally planted in 1830, these giant plants have become the most recognizable symbol of Tuscany and a landscape heritage of Italy.

Each cypress in that landscape represents more than a tree; it is a fragment of history, a mark of natural beauty, and an invitation to wonder. This article reveals why this corridor remains the most photographed spot in the region and how to experience it fully.

The origin: when utility became landscape art

It all began during the time of Count Guido Alberto della Gherardesca in the 19th century, when the practical need to protect the road evolved into a masterpiece of landscaping. The owner decided to line hundreds of cypress saplings (Cupressus sempervirens, locally known as Italian cypress) on both sides of the road leading to his castle, anticipating the aesthetic benefits these plants would provide decades later.

The cypresses grew, aged, and became living monuments. Today, at about two centuries old, these trees maintain their characteristic pyramidal shape and their constant green-gray color, creating a tree-lined tunnel that seems to suspend time.

Immortalized in literature: when Carducci encountered the cypresses

The true artistic recognition of the site came through the words of poet Giosuè Carducci, Nobel laureate in Literature, who lived in the region and composed the poem “Davanti San Guido.” In this masterful work, he described the cypresses as “young giants,” capturing the majestic essence of these trees with poetic precision that has resonated through generations.

Literature transformed a simple tree arrangement into a cultural phenomenon. Landscape and tourism researchers consider Carducci’s poem as the turning point that elevated the Viale to an international tourist attraction.

Beyond the road: gastronomic and wine riches

The Bolgheri region offers more than visual splendor. Globally renowned for its “Super Tuscans,” innovative labels that revolutionized European viticulture, the wine and food area complements the visual experience perfectly.

Wineries such as Sassicaia and Ornellaia operate just a few kilometers from the Viale, offering tastings and tours that contextualize the wine within the landscape that produced it. Enotourism there combines education about the cypress trees (which protect the vineyards from winds) with enological appreciation.

Capturing beauty: a practical guide for photographers

The Viale dei Cipressi is a public and busy road (SP 16d), requiring special attention from photography enthusiasts. Parking in the middle of the road is prohibited and dangerous; fortunately, designated shoulders and safe stopping areas are scattered along the route.

The best lighting occurs in late afternoon when the Tuscan sun, with its descending angle, illuminates the sides of the cypress trunks, creating long shadows that dramatize the landscape. Professional photographers also recommend early morning, when morning fog creates an ethereal atmosphere among the trees.

Nearby attractions to enhance your visit:

• Bolgheri Castle (at the end of the avenue)
• Tenuta San Guido winery (home of Sassicaia)
• San Guido Oratory (historic starting point)
• Castagneto Carducci (neighboring town with rich history)

Beyond driving: walking, cycling, and contemplation

While many visitors travel along the Viale by car, those truly wanting to immerse themselves should consider walking or cycling. There is a dedicated lane for pedestrians and cyclists along much of the route, offering safety and a pace suited for appreciation.

Walking among the cypresses allows you to experience the genuine aroma of Mediterranean vegetation, hear the wind whispering through the small leaves, and appreciate the individual grandeur of each century-old tree. The full sensory experience—visual, olfactory, tactile—far surpasses the fragmented perception obtained from inside a vehicle.

Cyclists enjoy an additional advantage: enough speed to cover the 5 km at a pleasant pace, but slow enough to absorb the changing landscape as perspective shifts.

Planning your journey through Tuscany

For those wishing to include the Viale dei Cipressi in a broader regional itinerary, it is recommended to consult travel guidelines from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for safe travel in Italy. The best time to visit is between April and June or September and October, when temperatures are mild and lighting favors photography.

The Viale dei Cipressi remains a living testament to how a practical intention of a 19th-century owner became a shared heritage for humanity. Each of the 2,400 cypress specimens lined up there carries history, beauty, and a permanent invitation to awe.