Italy has long showcased as a backdrop for many TV shows and movies, case in point, the recent season of Succession whose location backdrop in Italy has taken the world by storm. The show, which follows the machinations of Logan Roy and his adult children as they feud over the family’s media empire is famous for filming in glamourous destinations across the world. For the final two episodes of this season, the uber-wealthy family headed to Tuscany to attend the wedding of matriarch Caroline. With scenes shot in Florence, Val d’Orcia and Siena it is no wonder that the show had us itching to pack our bags and head to the Bel Paese.
See below for some of these iconic Italian cities you can visit below.
Florence, Tuscany
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, continues to evoke the same charm and splendour it did during the Renaissance. Delightfully compact and home to some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world, it is no surprise that the Roy’s would opt for a visit to Florence during their jaunt through Tuscany. Between the library of San Lorenzo and the incredible art collection found at the Pitti Palace, visitors will be sure to get their fill of art and culture while in the city.
The ever-well-dressed Roy family will find themselves right at home in the place that saw the beginnings of the fashion industry. Designers such as Guccio Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo both opened boutiques here in the 1920s which then led the city to be considered one of the most stylish in Italy.
Travellers can also indulge in a boat tour along the Arno in a traditional wood barge followed by a stroll through the Boboli Gardens for the ultimate day out.
For more information on Florence visit: https://www.italia.it/en/florence
Siena, Tuscany
The medieval city of Siena is no stranger to a film set and most recently its central piazza, Il Campo, was featured in the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace. The city sits over three hills and its central piazza is shaped into a fan that symbolises the Madonna’s cloak which is said to shelter the city from ill-fate. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Siena’s ancient roots are apparent at every corner with historical sites such as the Synagogue of Siena, the Teatro dei Rinnovati and the Opera del Duomo Museum.
To make like the Roys, Villa Centinale is a beautiful baroque property that was used in the series to film Caroline’s wedding. Originally built by pope Alexander VII, this 13-bedroom villa is the cream of the crop and cements the Roy’s uber-wealth making us green with envy.
For travellers wanting to step away from the glamourous world of the Roys and experience Siena as it is meant to be the thermal springs found in the region are a rewarding expedition to make. These healing waters have been known to restore physical and mental balance. The Petriolo Thermal Springs in particular offer numerous opportunities for a long excursion and hikes through the nearby Nature Reserve of Basso Merse before relaxing in the warming waters of the Springs.
For more information on Siena visit: https://www.terredisiena.it/en/
Val d’Orcia, Tuscany
The magical and enchanting area of Val d’Orcia is made up of ancient villages, breath-taking olive groves and vineyards as well as fields of sunflowers as far as the eye can see. This rich green valley which surrounds the Orcia river from where it takes its name is entirely protected as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
In Val D’Orcia, the Roys take over Villa Foce, a 3,500 acre estate that has awe-inspiring views over the hilltops and cypress lined roads of the region. The former home of famed biographer and writer Iris Origio who wrote books such as War in Val d’Orcia and The World of San Bernardino is the backdrop to the Roy family celebration in episode eight.
A visit to Val d’Orcia is a guaranteed step back in time with the multitude of medieval and picturesque towns that make up this beautiful region. The hilltop town of Radicofani is home to an imposing castle tower that is a must-visit when in Val d’Orcia. Combined with its neighbour, the walled city of Montalcino it makes for the perfect day trip in the region to admire the medieval architecture of the place. In between the two and a perfect resting stop is Bagno Vignoni, home to the largest medieval bath in the area. The bath overlooks the Renaissance buildings of the town and the Santa Caterina di Siena lodge. With the sound of the gentle rolling waters and the lazy smoke created from the warmth of the water, a dip in these waters has an almost fairy-tale like aspect to it. This is guaranteed to make you feel like you’re on the set of a TV show.
For more information on Val d’Orcia visit: https://www.parcodellavaldorcia.com/en
For more about Italy visit www.italia.it