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. La Bozza: Ancient farmhouse in tuscany with swimmng pool — Property 5427

    Vacation Farmhouse rental in Arezzo Area area
    • Farmhouse
    • 3 bedrooms , sleeps 6
    • 2 bathrooms
    • rural
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $875 - $1831 per property per week

  2. 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
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $802 - $3288 per property per week

  3. 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
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $583 - $1045 per property per week

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

    Vacation Villa rental in Monterchi area
    • Villa
    • 4 bedrooms , sleeps 7
    • 2 bathrooms
    • 1 half bathroom
    • rural
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1267 - $3439 per property per week

  5. Beautiful XVI Century Etruscan farmhouse with private pool — Property 8490

    Vacation Farmhouse rental in Pergine Valdarno area
    • Farmhouse
    • 5 bedrooms , sleeps 14
    • 5 bathrooms
    • 1 half bathroom
    • rural, village
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $912 per property per week

  6. Stunning Tuscan Villa with large pool in beautiful gardens, extensive views — Property 405091

    Vacation Villa rental in Cortona area
    • Villa
    • 9 bedrooms , sleeps 18
    • 9 bathrooms
    • 1 half bathroom
    • rural, village
    • air-conditioning
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $431 - $503 per person per week

  7. Vacation villa La Limonaia - Lovely restored baronial guest house — Property 84780

    Vacation Villa rental in Arezzo area
    • Villa
    • 3 bedrooms , sleeps 5
    • 2 bathrooms
    • rural
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1149 - $1437 per property per week

  8. Tuscany farmhouse in Chianti very quietly located — Property 67518

    Vacation Farmhouse rental in Cavriglia area
    • Farmhouse
    • 3 bedrooms , sleeps 7
    • 2 bathrooms
    • rural
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $718 - $2083 per property per week

  9. Stalla Rustica: Stunning Tuscan Country House with pool in beautiful gardens, extensive views — Property 53280

    Vacation Villa rental in Cortona area
    • Villa
    • 3 bedrooms , sleeps 8
    • 3 bathrooms
    • rural, village
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $2155 - $2586 per property per week

  10. Il Molinello: Stunning Tuscan Country House with pool in beautiful gardens, extensive views — Property 53280

    Vacation House rental in Cortona area
    • House
    • 1 bedroom , sleeps 4
    • 1 bathroom
    • rural, village
    • garden
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $934 - $1077 per property per week

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