Where Cinema Meets Tuscany
Welcome to the places where cinema meets the timeless beauty of Tuscany. Pienza and the Val d’Orcia were the stage for some of the most iconic scenes in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, including the magical Elysian Fields, filmed at the foot of the Pieve di Corsignano.
But this land is much more than a movie set: it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a landscape of rolling hills, Renaissance villages, prestigious vineyards, and thermal springs. Here you can enjoy authentic experiences blending art, nature, wine, and cinema.
See the map
Discover the Gladiator filming locations
Follow in the footsteps of Maximus Decimus Meridius through the Elysian Fields and the landscapes that brought the film’s emotions to life. We’ll guide you to the exact filming spots, with tips on how to get there, the best visiting times, and how to capture them in photos.
Whether you are a cinema lover, a traveler seeking beauty, or a wine enthusiast, the Val d’Orcia will gift you an unforgettable journey. Let our guides inspire you and start planning your tailor-made itinerary.
Explore the Val d’Orcia
• Pienza – Renaissance “ideal city” and home of pecorino cheese
• San Quirico d’Orcia – Cypress trees, gardens, and picture-perfect views
• Montepulciano – Jewel of Vino Nobile
• Montalcino – Land of Brunello wine
• Bagno Vignoni – A unique thermal square in the heart of the village
• Bagni San Filippo – Natural hot springs and the “White Whale” formation
• Monticchiello – Hilltop village with stunning views and open-air theatre
• Castiglion d’Orcia – Medieval fortress and breathtaking panoramas
The Home of Maximus Decimus Meridius
Do you remember one of the most dramatic scenes in Gladiator? The moment when Roman soldiers massacre the wife and son of Maximus Decimus Meridius.
This unforgettable sequence was filmed just outside San Quirico d’Orcia. The house of the Gladiator is the Podere di Poggio Manzuoli, located about 500 meters from Porta Cappuccini, on the left side of the road towards Pienza.
Still today, the farmhouse stands as a silent witness to one of cinema’s most powerful and emotional moments. Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia, it remains a must-see stop for those who wish to relive the atmosphere of the film.
