In a Tuscan Cafe was shot whilst on
a day excursion in Tuscany during a short break to Florence in
March this year. The location was in the main square in the
charming village of San Gimignano.
San Gimignano has a long history
dating back to 63 BC, but is perhaps most famous to the
tourist because of it's towers, 13 of which remain standing of
the 72 originally built in the 14th century, when every well
off family built a tower to show it's economical power.
Known as
the Town of Fine Towers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and
situated midway between Florence and Siena; San Gimignano
attracts millions of tourists annually. The town does struggle
somewhat with the numbers with 3 times as many coaches
arriving daily at the height of the tourist season than the
coach parks can accommodate.
"In a
Tuscan Cafe" was shot in the small but charming main square
where many visitors seem to congregate, before they head back
to their coaches for the next leg of their tour. I sat in one
of the cafe's shooting the scenery, the passers by, and also
those sat enjoying the fine food and drinks on offer in the
cafe. However it was when the tables were vacated that it
looked more interesting, particularly with the cafe entrance
set out of focus in the background.
This image so eloquently sums up
the 'Hit and Run' tourism which is a curse of many Tuscan
villages... a quick glass of wine or a coffee and on their way
again. Unfortunately this does little to help the town's
economy, so if and when you do visit Tuscany by all means (and
I would definitely recommend it) put a visit to San Gimignano
on your itinerary, there is plenty of accommodation in the
area, but do remember the shops and museums need your tourist
dollars too, and not just the cafe's. |
