Before you step into Florence’s grand piazzas or wander the cypress-lined roads of the Val d’Orcia, immerse yourself in these books and films set in Tuscany. From Renaissance intrigue to WWII resilience, and from sweeping historical novels to intimate memoirs, these stories capture the art, culture, and landscapes that make Tuscany timeless. Whether you’re looking for books set in Tuscany that bring the region’s history to life or movies set in Tuscany that transport you to its sunlit hills, this curated collection will inspire and deepen your journey. And as these stories help you envision your trip, make sure you’re perfectly prepared for every scene with our Style & Packing Guide, curated for timeless Tuscan elegance.
Fiction: Must-Read Books Set in Tuscany
Before you wander Florence’s piazzas or the rolling hills of Chianti, immerse yourself in these Tuscany novels. From Renaissance intrigue to WWII resilience and timeless romances, these books set in Tuscany capture the drama, beauty, and spirit of the region. This curated list is your story-driven Tuscany travel inspiration, offering the perfect starting point for a deeper connection to place.
A Room with a View
Author: E.M. Forster
Date Published: 1908 | Ranked among the Modern Library’s 100 Best Novels
Why You Should Read It: Forster’s classic blends romance, social satire, and the liberating magic of Italy. Lucy Honeychurch, a young Englishwoman visiting Florence, finds her neatly ordered world upended when she meets a passionate and unconventional fellow traveler. The city’s Renaissance splendor and the Tuscan countryside become mirrors for Lucy’s own awakening — lush, sunlit backdrops where love dares to defy Edwardian restraint.
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Explore the Story in Tuscany:
Piazza della Signoria, Florence: Stand where Lucy first begins to see the world — and herself — with new eyes.
Fiesole: Take in sweeping views over Florence, echoing the novel’s moments of clarity and transformation.
The Garden of the Finzi-Continis
Author: Giorgio Bassani
Date Published: 1962 | Winner of the Viareggio Prize
Why You Should Read It: Set in the years leading up to WWII, Bassani’s novel captures the bittersweet beauty of youth lived in the shadow of political change. The narrator recalls his friendship with the aristocratic Finzi-Contini family, whose walled garden is a private paradise seemingly untouched by the tensions beyond its gates — until Fascist Italy makes isolation impossible. Lyrical and elegiac, it’s a meditation on memory, privilege, and the fragility of idylls.
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Explore the Story in Tuscany:
- Renaissance Villas & Gardens: Stroll through estates like Villa Reale di Marlia, where manicured lawns evoke the secluded elegance of the Finzi-Continis’ world.
- WWII Heritage Sites: Pair this novel with our Tuscany Destination Guide to explore the region’s wartime history.
The Birth of Venus
Author: Sarah Dunant
Date Published: 2003 | Shortlisted for the Costa Novel Award
Why You Should Read It: In 15th-century Florence, a young woman named Alessandra Cecchi comes of age in a city torn between Renaissance brilliance and religious zealotry. Through clandestine love affairs, political upheaval, and the creation of art that defies convention, Alessandra’s story is a vivid tapestry of color, passion, and danger. Dunant’s Florence hums with the scent of oil paint, the echo of church bells, and the whispered secrets of its artists.
To understand the backdrop of Alessandra’s story, you can explore the political rivalries and artistic ambitions of 15th-century Florence in our comprehensive Tuscany Travel Guide.
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Explore the Story in Tuscany:
- Santa Maria Novella: Step into the basilica whose frescoes reflect the novel’s artistic heart.
- Uffizi Gallery: Stand before Botticelli’s Primavera and The Birth of Venus — the works that give the novel its name and atmosphere.
The Enchanted April
Author: Elizabeth von Arnim
Date Published: 1922 | Adapted into an Academy Award–Nominated Film
Why You Should Read It: This charming tale follows four Englishwomen who escape dreary London for a month in an Italian villa. As spring blooms along the Tuscan coast, they shed old grievances and rediscover joy. Von Arnim’s prose brims with wisteria-scented breezes, sun-dappled terraces, and the quiet magic of friendship renewed — making it as restorative as the setting it describes.
If this story of escape inspires you to find your own restorative Italian villa, discover our curated list of Luxury Experiences in Tuscany, from private coastal charters to exclusive countryside estates.
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Explore the Story in Tuscany:
- Tuscan Coast Villas: Wander historic seaside gardens fragrant with citrus and herbs.
- Villa Garzoni, Collodi: Lose yourself in the symmetrical beauty of a Renaissance garden worthy of the novel’s pages.
The Marriage Portrait
Author: Maggie O’Farrell
Date Published: 2022 | Women’s Prize for Fiction Shortlist, Sunday Times Bestseller
Why You Should Read It: O’Farrell breathes life into Lucrezia de’ Medici, a teenage duchess whose marriage to the Duke of Ferrara is both gilded cage and political chess piece. Seen through Lucrezia’s artist’s eye, Florence’s palazzi and the rolling Tuscan hills glow with the richness of oil paint — yet shadows of danger creep at the edges. It’s a story of art, ambition, and survival in a world where beauty and peril are never far apart.
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Explore the Story in Tuscany:
- Palazzo Vecchio, Florence: Walk the grand halls where the Medici shaped politics and power.
- Poggio a Caiano: Visit the Medici villa’s frescoed rooms and manicured gardens for a glimpse into Lucrezia’s world. Learn more about the Medici dynasty in our Tuscany Destination Guide.
Non-Fiction Books Set in Tuscany: Discover the Region’s History and Culture
Beyond the novels, some of the most compelling books set in Tuscany are non-fiction titles that dig deep into its history and art. These selections bring Florence’s artistic treasures, architectural triumphs, and timeless traditions vividly to life.
The Stones of Florence
Author: Mary McCarthy
Date Published: 1959 | Considered a Modern Classic of Travel Writing
Why You Should Read It: McCarthy’s work is equal parts love letter and unsparing critique, blending art history, politics, and personal observation into a portrait of Florence that’s as textured as the city itself. She ushers you into dimly lit chapels where frescoes glow in half-light, across piazzas humming with centuries of intrigue, and into museum corners where overlooked treasures wait.
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Explore the Story in Tuscany:
- Santa Croce: Visit the basilica where Galileo, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli rest under ornate tombs.
- Ponte Vecchio: Cross the storied bridge McCarthy describes, lined with goldsmiths’ shops and history.
Brunelleschi’s Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture
Author: Ross King
Date Published: 2000 | American Library Association Notable Book
Why You Should Read It: Ross King turns architectural history into a page-turner, chronicling Filippo Brunelleschi’s audacious quest to build the largest dome in the world without scaffolding to support it. Set against the political rivalries and artistic rivalries of 15th-century Florence, the book brims with human drama — the stubborn genius, the jealous competitors, and the city that placed its future in his hands.
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Explore the Story in Tuscany:
- Santa Maria del Fiore: Climb Brunelleschi’s dome to see the view that crowned his achievement.
- Museo dell’Opera del Duomo: Examine the tools, sketches, and scale models that made the impossible possible.
The Reluctant Tuscan: How I Discovered My Inner Italian
Author: Phil Doran
Date Published: 2005 | Los Angeles Times Bestseller
Why You Should Read It: When Phil Doran leaves behind Hollywood for rural Tuscany, he expects rustic inconvenience — and finds it. But he also discovers the rhythm of small-town life: gossip traded over espresso, neighbors who show up with baskets of figs, and the satisfaction of a harvest celebrated. Funny and self-aware, Doran’s memoir reveals how Tuscany changes those willing to slow down.
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Explore the Story in Tuscany:
- Southern Hill Towns: Visit the medieval villages where daily life unfolds in the piazza.
- Agriturismi: Stay in a working farmhouse to feel the pace and priorities Doran comes to love.
Under the Tuscan Sun
Author: Frances Mayes
Date Published: 1996 | New York Times Bestseller, Adapted into a Major Motion Picture
Why You Should Read It: Mayes’ memoir is a sensual account of restoring a crumbling villa in Cortona, blending the frustrations of renovation with the pleasures of seasonal cooking, gardening, and forging friendships. Her prose captures the textures of Tuscan life — the warmth of stone at dusk, the peppery bite of new olive oil, the scent of lavender carried on evening breezes.
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Explore the Story in Tuscany:
- Cortona: Follow Mayes’ path through its sunlit piazzas and hillside lanes.
- Local Markets: Shop for pecorino, figs, and wild mushrooms like those in her kitchen scenes.
Iconic Films Set in Tuscany
For visual travelers, these films set in Tuscany capture the light, landscapes, and layered history of the region. From sweeping romances to wartime dramas, each title transports you straight into Tuscan piazzas, vineyards, and hill towns.
Tea with Mussolini
Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Date Released: 1999 | BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Judi Dench)
Why You Should Watch It: Drawing from Zeffirelli’s own childhood, this poignant wartime drama follows a spirited group of expatriate Englishwomen — nicknamed the “Scorpioni” — who become unlikely guardians to a young boy in Florence as WWII looms. Through art, music, and quiet acts of defiance, they cling to beauty and civility even as Fascism tightens its grip. It’s an affectionate, bittersweet portrait of cultural exchange, resilience, and friendship in a city on the brink.
Experience the Film in Tuscany:
- Piazza della Signoria, Florence: The political and artistic heart of the city, just as it is for the film’s characters.
- San Gimignano: The medieval towers featured in the countryside scenes.
Explore More: Pair this film with our Tuscany Destination Guide to understand the region’s role during WWII.
Stealing Beauty
Director: Bernardo Bertolucci
Date Released: 1996 | Nominated for the Palme d’Or at Cannes
Why You Should Watch It: Part mystery, part coming-of-age romance, Bertolucci’s film follows Lucy (Liv Tyler), a young American who arrives at a Tuscan villa to have her portrait sculpted — and to uncover secrets about her late mother. Surrounded by a bohemian circle of artists, Lucy is drawn into a languid summer of self-discovery. Tuscany’s sun-drenched hills, stone farmhouses, and olive groves become both her sanctuary and her stage for transformation.
Experience the Film in Tuscany:
- Chianti Vineyards: Stay in a villa with views of rolling vineyards, just like Lucy’s retreat.
- Tuscan Olive Groves: Walk through silvery-green fields that dominate the film’s dreamy visuals.
A Room with a View (Film Adaptation)
Director: James Ivory
Date Released: 1985 | Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design
Why You Should Watch It: Ivory’s lush adaptation of E.M. Forster’s classic is one of the most beloved films set in Tuscany, capturing both the exhilaration and peril of falling in love in a foreign land. Lucy Honeychurch’s Florence is a city of music, art, and sudden revelations — contrasted with the repressive expectations of her English upbringing. The Tuscan countryside scenes, alive with poppies and golden light, make you want to pack your bags immediately.
Experience the Film in Tuscany:
- Ponte Vecchio: Wander across the iconic bridge where Lucy’s life begins to change.
- Fiesole Hills: Recreate the novel’s countryside escape with a panoramic view of Florence.
La Vita è Bella (Life is Beautiful)
Director: Roberto Benigni
Date Released: 1997 | Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, Best Actor, Best Original Score
Why You Should Watch It: Benigni’s international masterpiece begins in Arezzo, where the irrepressibly optimistic Guido falls in love with Dora and wins her heart through charm, wit, and persistence. When the family is deported during WWII, Guido uses humor and imagination to shield his young son from the horrors around them. The Tuscan scenes glow with romance and joy, making the later heartbreak even more profound.
Experience the Film in Tuscany:
- Arezzo’s Piazza Grande: Stroll through the square where Guido’s romance unfolds.
- Val di Chiana: Drive through the countryside that frames the film’s idyllic early scenes.
Explore More: See our Tuscany Destination Guide to explore the region’s wartime history and preservation.
Documentaries: Unmissable Films Set in Tuscany
If you want to go beyond fiction, these documentaries explore the art, food, and stories that define Tuscany’s past and present — a perfect complement to your Tuscany reading list.
Medici: Masters of Florence (Docudrama Series)
Director: Sergio Mimica-Gezzan
Date Released: 2016 | International Emmy Nominee for Best Drama Series
Why You Should Watch It: This richly produced historical series blurs the line between documentary and drama, chronicling the rise of the Medici family and their transformation of Florence into the heart of the Renaissance. Through political intrigue, patronage of the arts, and family rivalries, it reveals how the Medicis shaped Tuscany’s destiny.
Experience the Story in Tuscany:
- Palazzo Vecchio: Walk the halls of Medici power.
- San Lorenzo Basilica & Medici Chapels: Stand in the family’s final resting place.
Explore More: Pair with The Marriage Portrait in our fiction list and visit our Tuscany Destination Guide for more on the Medici legacy.
Dream of Italy: Tuscany
Host: Kathy McCabe
Date Released: 2015 | PBS Travel Documentary Series
Why You Should Watch It: This warm and personal travelogue takes you from vineyard-covered hills to centuries-old artisan workshops. McCabe meets winemakers, cheese producers, and local characters whose work preserves Tuscany’s heritage. It’s equal parts inspiration and practical guide for immersive travel.
Experience the Story in Tuscany:
- Panzano in Chianti: Visit Dario Cecchini, Tuscany’s most famous butcher.
- Val d’Orcia: See the landscapes that define Tuscany’s visual identity.
Tuscany’s Hidden Gems (National Geographic Special)
Director: Various
Date Released: 2018
Why You Should Watch It: National Geographic goes beyond Florence and Siena to uncover Etruscan ruins, little-known hill towns, and family-run workshops. With sweeping aerial shots and intimate interviews, it captures the soul of Tuscany that exists beyond the main piazza.
Experience the Story in Tuscany:
- Pitigliano: Explore its Jewish heritage and dramatic cliffside setting.
- Volterra: Visit Etruscan gates and traditional alabaster workshops.
Food Shows Set in Tuscany: Savor the Unique Flavors on Screen
Tuscan cuisine tells a story all its own, and these food shows about Tuscany bring it to life. From rustic markets to family kitchens, each episode serves up Tuscany travel inspiration while complementing the classic books and films set in Tuscany that reveal the region’s culture.
Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy — Tuscany Episode
Host: Stanley Tucci
Date Released: 2021 | Emmy Award for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series
Why You Should Watch It: Tucci’s Tuscany episode is a masterclass in culinary storytelling. From sizzling bistecca alla fiorentina to delicate pici pasta, he traces each dish to the traditions, landscapes, and people who shaped it. His warmth and curiosity make every stop — from bustling markets to countryside kitchens — feel like a personal invitation.
Taste the Story in Tuscany:
- Florence’s Mercato Centrale: Shop for the same artisanal products Tucci enjoys.
- Panzano in Chianti: Meet Dario Cecchini, the region’s most famous butcher.
Somebody Feed Phil — Florence Episode
Host: Phil Rosenthal
Date Released: 2018 | Netflix Original Series
Why You Should Watch It: Rosenthal’s enthusiasm is infectious as he samples everything from ribollita soup to inventive gelato flavors. Along the way, he chats with chefs, shop owners, and locals, showing how hospitality is as integral to Tuscan dining as the food itself.
Taste the Story in Tuscany:
- Trattoria Mario: Enjoy hearty, no-frills Tuscan classics.
- Gelateria dei Neri: Try creative gelato blends that surprise and delight.
Rick Stein’s Long Weekends — Florence
Host: Rick Stein
Date Released: 2016 | BBC Two Culinary Travel Series
Why You Should Watch It: Stein takes a seasonal approach to Florence, highlighting ingredients at their peak — from artichokes in spring to truffles in autumn. His itineraries blend local markets, humble trattorias, and elegant dining rooms, offering a rounded taste of the city.
Taste the Story in Tuscany:
- Sant’Ambrogio Market: Wander stalls overflowing with fresh produce and regional specialties.
- San Miniato: Join truffle hunters for a morning in the woods.
Extra Virgin
Hosts: Debi Mazar & Gabriele Corcos
Date Released: 2011–2015 | Cooking Channel Series
Why You Should Watch It: This charming series follows Mazar and her Tuscan-born husband as they split time between Brooklyn and his family home near Florence. Recipes are woven with family stories, vineyard visits, and seasonal festivals, giving viewers a true slice of Tuscan life.
Taste the Story in Tuscany:
- Chianti Countryside: Tour vineyards that echo the show’s emphasis on heritage.
- Village Sagra: Celebrate seasonal dishes alongside locals.
Tuscan Foodie Adventures (YouTube Series)
Host: Local Tuscan Guides
Date Released: Ongoing
Why You Should Watch It: Filmed by local chefs and guides, this series focuses on dishes you won’t always find in guidebooks — hearty farro soups from Garfagnana, fresh seafood from the Tuscan coast, and almond cantucci baked in wood-fired ovens.
Taste the Story in Tuscany:
- Garfagnana: Try mountain fare rooted in centuries-old recipes.
- Prato: Sample cantucci dipped in vin santo.
Continue exploring our Tuscany Edits
Ready to bring these stories from the best books and films set in Tuscany to life? Create your own Tuscany reading list and dive deeper into the art, food, and history behind these stories.
Continue exploring our Edits for more Tuscany travel inspiration:
Plan your trip with our Tuscany Destination Guide for historic towns, scenic drives, and the best times to visit.
Get outfit inspiration from our Style & Packing Tips, curated for chic yet practical Italian adventures.
Discover Exclusive Experiences like private vineyard tastings and behind-the-scenes art viewings.
Use our Travel Resources to connect with trusted guides, boutique stays, and tools to make your Tuscan journey effortless.
Which book or film set in Tuscany has inspired you the most? Email me your favorite, and it might be featured in my next Jet Set Insider newsletter — inspiring fellow travelers to explore Tuscany through story.