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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Historic 18C detached farmhouse with heated private pool — Property 147354
- Farmhouse
- 5 bedrooms , sleeps 13
- 5 bathrooms
- lake, rural
- swimming pool
- Rates (shown in USD)
- $1700 - $3600 per property per week
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Beautiful XVI Century Etruscan farmhouse with private pool — Property 8490
- Farmhouse
- 5 bedrooms , sleeps 14
- 5 bathrooms
- 1 half bathroom
- rural, village
- garden
- Rates (shown in USD)
- $929 per property per week
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Stunning Tuscan Villa with large pool in beautiful gardens, extensive views — Property 405091
- Farmhouse
- 9 bedrooms , sleeps 18
- 9 bathrooms
- 1 half bathroom
- rural, village
- air-conditioning
- Rates (shown in USD)
- $7895 - $8773 per property per week
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VILLA PETROLO - Holidays and Farm stays in the heart of Tuscany — Property 7802
- Villa
- 10 bedrooms , sleeps 19
- 8 bathrooms
- rural
- garden
- Rates (shown in USD)
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Villa Francesca
Luxurious free standing house, with a unique location, pool, whirlpool and sauna — Property 48109
- Villa
- 6 bedrooms , sleeps 14
- 6 bathrooms
- rural
- garden
- Rates (shown in USD)
- $4390 - $5854 per property per week
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Querciolaio
Big country house for 12 persons with a pool and a wide view over olive groves — Property 23401
- House
- 6 bedrooms , sleeps 14
- 4 bathrooms
- rural, village
- garden
- Rates (shown in USD)
- $3951 - $4537 per property per week
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Villa Cuiano a Sprawling Farmhouse on a Tuscany Green Hills — Property 305585
- Villa
- 12 bedrooms , sleeps 25
- 8 bathrooms
- rural, village
- accept credit card
- Rates (shown in USD)
- $720 - $1190 per property per week
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Villa Fabbri
Vacation villa in a beautiful, quiet location with a large pool and a lawn — Property 24908
- House
- 8 bedrooms , sleeps 20
- 2 bathrooms
- rural
- garden
- Rates (shown in USD)
- $4390 - $7756 per property per week
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Villa, Rooms, Swimming Pool, Tennis Court for a Tuscan Holiday — Property 318600
- Villa
- 5 bedrooms , sleeps 13
- 5 bathrooms
- rural, village
- swimming pool
- Rates (shown in USD)
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Easyreserve - Cinque Querci — Property 71043
- Villa
- 9 bedrooms , sleeps 22
- 7 bathrooms
- Rates (shown in USD)
- $4937 - $9180 per Villa per week
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