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Cortona: Above the Tuscany Plains!

Cortona, Italy sits high in the Tuscany hills overlooking a stunning valley landscape. Located about 50 miles from Florence, Cortona is rich in the history that has defined so many medieval hill towns of the region. Giacomo Lauro, in one of the first guide books which was published in 1639, wrote "Cortona has a picturesque aspect, quite a bit longer than wide, turned toward the midday sun. Her district is fertile and is abundant with all that is necessary to human life." Nearly 400 years later, the town's features remain alluring to those who are looking for a quintessential "hill town" experience. Cortona's museums and galleries, restaurants overlooking the valley below, and narrow cobbled streets lined with shops and boutiques offer the perfect Tuscany vacation.

Art lovers will find a big punch in a small package during their Cortona visit. The Diocesan Museum offers a wonderful collection of 14th and 15th century Italian paintings. The museum, which is housed in the Gesu church, is filled with sculptures, frescoes, and liturgical figures that have been acquired from other Cortona churches and assembled into this collection. Of particular note, the lower region of the church has an important cycle of frescos with scenes of sacrifices of the Old Testament painted by Cristoforo Gherardi. Another important work is the Annunciation, painted by Beato Angelico during his stay in the Dominican convent of Cortona.

Another can't-miss Cortona museum is the Museum of Etruscan Academy, housed in the Palazzo Casali. The museum was founded by three brothers who gathered a large archaeological collection and an extensive library to promote Etruscan heritage. One of the most impressive pieces of the collection is an Etruscan chandelier that was found in Cortona in 1840. The chandelier, made of solid bronze in the 4th century, has a complex system of etchings depicting plants, harpies, and animal images. The museum also has a collection of Greek and Italian ceramics dating back to the 6th century B.C.

Experience Cortona life in the three interconnecting squares, or piazzas, that comprise the upper portion of the town. You can walk the cobblestone streets between the squares and choose which restaurant gives you the best vantage point to watch all the activity. On Saturdays, the central piazza comes alive with an open air market, with vendors selling everything from hand made clothing to fresh produce. The shops along the squares have a vast selection of goods to choose from. Olive oil, local wines, leather, and jewelry are only a few of the items that can make that perfect souvenir. Be sure to have your picture taken on the steps of the Cortona Town Hall, just below the large clock, the town's main landmark.

Cortona sits ready to welcome all those who want to enjoy her many gifts. Have dinner at sunset in one of the restaurants that overlook the valley. Take a day trip to Florence, Siena, or Lake Trasimeno. Visit the Farneta Museum, which is part of Farneta Abby dating back to the 11th century. Plan your vacation around one of the town's many festivals. It seems as if the town is in constant celebration of everything from jazz to culinary delights. Have a chat with the locals. Cortonese are famous for their friendliness to visitors. If you have a penchant for rich, cultural heritage, a vacation in Cortona is an absolute must!

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  1. Relais Antica Torre
    Charming property with SPA in the heart of Tuscany located in a Medieval Village — Property 257441

    Vacation Estate rental in Arezzo Area area
    • Estate
    • 5 bedrooms , sleeps 11
    • 3 bathrooms
    • rural, village
    • jacuzzi
    Ponte Dell' Immacolata 05-08 Dicembre
    S P E C I A L    O F F E R
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $725 - $1160 per property per week

  2. La Colonica
    Charming cottage near Cortona garden olive grove A/C - La Colonica — Property 171412

    Vacation House rental in Cortona area
    • House
    • 2 bedrooms , sleeps 4
    • 2 bathrooms
    • 1 half bathroom
    • rural, village
    • daily maid service
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $820 - $1190 per property per week

  3. casa fantone
    Charming Tuscan villa with private pool and breathtaking view — Property 15258

    Vacation Villa rental in Poppi area
    • Villa
    • 5 bedrooms , sleeps 12
    • 3 bathrooms
    • rural, village
    • private pool
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1384 - $2919 per property per week

  4. La Colonica
    Charming cottage near Cortona, garden, olive grove, air-conditioned — Property 58176

    Vacation House rental in Cortona area
    • House
    • 2 bedrooms , sleeps 4
    • 2 bathrooms
    • 1 half bathroom
    • rural, village
    • daily maid service
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $827 - $1204 per property per week

  5. Tuscany: 17th century hillside farmhouse villa - private pool - stunning views — Property 7115

    Vacation Villa rental in Monterchi area
    • Villa
    • 4 bedrooms , sleeps 8
    • 2 bathrooms
    • 1 half bathroom
    • rural
    • private pool
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1256 - $3062 per property per week

  6. Casa Musica
    Detached Farmhouse Villa in Tuscany, private pool next to lake — Property 94161

    Vacation Farmhouse rental in Anghiari area
    • Farmhouse
    • 4 bedrooms , sleeps 9
    • 4 bathrooms
    • rural, waterfront
    • private pool
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $2446 - $5179 per property per week

  7. Beautiful villa with private pool and incredible views — Property 409889

    Vacation Villa rental in Cortona area
    • Villa
    • 4 bedrooms , sleeps 10
    • 3 bathrooms
    • mountain, rural
    • private pool
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1360 - $2720 per property per week

  8. La Veduta: Childfree tranquillity for 2 in Romantic, Detached Cottage with pool. — Property 65770

    Vacation Cottage rental in Arezzo area
    • Cottage
    • 1 bedroom , sleeps 2
    • 1 bathroom
    • mountain, rural
    • private pool
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $954 - $1549 per property per week

  9. il Bacio: Childfree tranquillity for 2 in Romantic, Detached Cottage with pool. — Property 65770

    Vacation Cottage rental in Arezzo area
    • Cottage
    • 1 bedroom , sleeps 2
    • 1 bathroom
    • mountain, rural
    • private pool
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $734 - $1223 per property per week

  10. Il Mulino - A beautifully restored 17th century mill with lovely pool — Property 17346

    Vacation Farmhouse rental in Monterchi area
    • Farmhouse
    • 3 bedrooms , sleeps 6
    • 3 bathrooms
    • 1 half bathroom
    • rural, village
    • private pool
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $976 - $3236 per property per week

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