Search for vacation rental homes in Arezzo Area

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

    Vacation Farmhouse rental in Arezzo Area area
    • Farmhouse
    • 3 bedrooms , sleeps 6
    • 3 bathrooms
    • 1 half bathroom
    • rural, village
    • garden
    30% off last remaining weeks!!!
    S P E C I A L    O F F E R
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1204 - $3702 per property per week

  2. Capanna — Capanna:
    2 independent Tuscan stone-houses with large garden and pool, panoramic position — Property 33109

    Vacation Apartment rental in Bucine area
    • Apartment
    • 1 bedroom , sleeps 4
    • 1 bathroom
    • mountain, rural
    • garden
    Special offer due to a cancellation
    S P E C I A L    O F F E R
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $672 - $1173 per property per week

  3. Charming Italian villa in the heart of Tuscany — Property 192013

    Vacation Villa rental in Bibbiena area
    • Villa
    • 2 bedrooms , sleeps 6
    • 2 bathrooms
    • mountain, river
    • washing machine
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $800 - $950 per property per week

  4. Luxury small villa near Cortona for rent - La Fucina — Property 85160

    Vacation Cottage rental in Cortona area
    • Cottage
    • 2 bedrooms , sleeps 2
    • rural, village
    • air-conditioning
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1261 - $1891 per property per week

  5. Villa Bellini - charming small Italian cottage for rent — Property 85166

    Vacation Villa rental in Cortona area
    • Villa
    • 3 bedrooms , sleeps 6
    • 1 bathroom
    • rural, village
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $2049 - $3477 per property per week

  6. Torre del Cielo, Tuscan villa with pool, panoramic views, near golf — Property 9923

    Vacation Villa rental in Monterchi area
    • Villa
    • 5 bedrooms , sleeps 10
    • 5 bathrooms
    • rural, village
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1548 - $4675 per property per week

  7. Palazzo Rosadi, beautiful manor house in wonderful location. — Property 6095

    Vacation Villa rental in Monterchi area
    • Villa
    • 6 bedrooms , sleeps 12
    • 7 bathrooms
    • rural, village
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $2642 - $7114 per property per week

  8. Charming Tuscan villa with private pool and breathtaking view — Property 15258

    Vacation Villa rental in Poppi area
    • Villa
    • 4 bedrooms , sleeps 10
    • 2 bathrooms
    • rural
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1399 - $3002 per property per week

  9. Capanna — Frantoio sopra:
    2 independent Tuscan stone-houses with large garden and pool, panoramic position — Property 33109

    Vacation Chateau / country house rental in Bucine area
    • Chateau / country house
    • 2 bedrooms , sleeps 5
    • 2 bathrooms
    • mountain, rural
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $813 - $1329 per property per week

  10. Capanna — Frantoio-Capanna:
    2 independent Tuscan stone-houses with large garden and pool, panoramic position — Property 33109

    Vacation Chateau / country house rental in Bucine area
    • Chateau / country house
    • 1 bedroom , sleeps 4
    • 1 bathroom
    • mountain, rural
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $641 - $1141 per property per week

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