The beautification of a historical landscape : Tuscany

Abstract

Tuscany’s hills are the quintessential example of an Italian landscape in which humans, nature and history combine in the best possible way. In this context, the beautiful countryside of the Val d’Orcia has featured in artistic representations across the centuries and was declared a UNESCO heritage site in 2004. This contribution discusses the limits and potential of such prestigious recognition. This article argues that an historically-informed reading of landscapes opens up space for multiple narratives and diverse actors, and enriches our understanding of the views and representations to which we are very much exposed.