 |
Probably the most photographed glade of cypress trees in the whole world, located between San Quirico d'Orcia and Montalcino in the Val d'Orcia of Tuscany, Italy. |
These clusters of cypresses where, in fact, planted as bird traps. Among the trees, some of the branches and twigs, as well as artificial perches, were coated with birdlime, a sticky substance that prevents small birds flying away once they have landed on it. Italian birdlime was made by a complicated process of boiling and pounding from mistletoe berries. These birds, especially blackbirds and thrushes, were harvested as often as twice a day during the season and provided a significant part of the protein diet of the poor farmers who struggled to make a living from the clay soil here (the famous crete senesi). As in many parts of the world, trapping birds using birdlime has long been prohibited in Italy but these beautiful cypress glades remain, to the delight of visitors to this part of Tuscany.
 |
The Strada di Valoresi as seen from from Villa La Foce |
More about “Villa La Foce” and Iris Origo.
Recommended vacation accommodation in Chianti towns, villages and countryside.
Author: Anna Maria Baldini
