Come on, just admit it: you have decided to spend your holidays in Tuscany and, in particular to rent that farmhouse near Siena because you are fond of cinema.

Who do not remember the scene of "The Gladiator" in which Russell Crowe walks in a corn field? Or who has never seen "Stealing Beauty" by Bernardo Bertolucci, starring Liv Tyler and Jeremy Irons? And raise their hand those who do not know "The English Patient", starring Ralph Fiennes in the role of count László Almásy, or "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" directed by Franco Zeffirelli.

All of these films were shot in Siena or in its surroundings.

And the list could continue with some recent films such as "Quantum of solace", a 007 movie featuring some scenes of the Palio di Siena, and "New Moon", the second film of the Twilight saga, that was partly shot in Montepulciano.

The magic world of cinema has established a strong relationship with Siena and its countryside.
Actually, it is the Tuscan countryside in general that irresistibly attracts foreigners, and especially British, American and German people with its cereal and sunflower fields and its hills covered with vineyards and olive.

So, do not be surprised if next to your farmhouse or villa in Siena lives an American or British family that arrived in Tuscany after having seen some films and then decided to settle there.