Circle of Cypresses - San Quirico d'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy

As one explores Tuscany, you cannot help to realize that cypress trees contribute to the landscape that make this region distinct. Even though cypress trees have become synonymous with Tuscany, it is believed that they originated in Persia or Syria. Cypress trees have long lives and it is believed that they can have a life of 2,000 years.

As you drive around Tuscany, you can see them lining the tops of ridges, lining roads leading to villas, and in gardens and many other configurations, like this one. The cypresses of San Quirico d'Orcia attract many visitors, as they are located along a major road. There are actually two groves of cypresses in the area, both located on the top of small hills with very little growth around them, which makes them stand out. This particular group is circular in scale with a path that goes through the center of the circle. The views of the surrounding Tuscan landscape provide a 360° view