Specializing in quality villa and apartment rentals in the Cortona area since 1993
view of Cortona from Porta Montanina
Where CORTONA is and what to expect...
As a lover of Tuscany, you may have heard about or even visited Cortona and thus will have no further need of introduction to the joys of this area. But if you are unfamiliar with the region, you are in for a pleasant surprise. The ancient citadel, with Etruscan origins dating back to 600 BC, sits on a hilltop 1600 feet above sea level, about 9 miles north-east of Lake Trasimeno, 65 miles south-east of Florence and 120 miles north of Rome.
Much-praised by Dante Alighieri, not to mention Frances Mayes in her best-selling diary "Under The Tuscan Sun", the view facing west from Cortona's ramparts is one of the most spectacular in Europe. The immense Chiana valley stretches out before you as far as the eye can see, to the hills of Siena 40 miles away and on to the slopes of Mont'Amiata, an extinct volcano further south.
You can also see the western tip of Lake Trasimeno, the largest lake in central Italy, where Hannibal defeated an entire Roman legion in 217 BC. And in the center of the valley - 15 miles away - stands proud Montepulciano, another of Tuscany's jewels, noted for its delicious "Vino Nobile" wines.
Eighteen miles further north lies the provincial capital of Arezzo which houses, in the Church of San Francesco, exceptional murals by Piero della Francesca depicting the horrors of the Battle of Anghiari and the Legend of the True Cross.
Though you can't see it from Cortona, the ancient Umbrian capital of Perugia is just a 30-minute drive away, motoring along the shores of Lake Trasimeno. A few miles further on, sits glorious Assisi with its magnificent Basilica of Saint Francis and the Giotto chapel.
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In fact, within a radius of just 80 miles of Cortona lies 20% of the world's greatest art treasures! Just consider Florence, an 80-minute drive away, Siena 60 minutes' drive to the west, Spoleto and Todi, 90 minutes away respectively, Orvieto, 75 minutes to the south, or Urbino, 2½ hours east.
And the choice of RENTAL HOMES…
For 2008 we are offering a selection of rental properties to suit all tastes and requirements. How about the ever-so-pretty stone cottage called La Magnolia (sleeps 6), always popular with our regular clients from the USA and Great Britain (including one artistic member of a European Royal family, a world-famous ballet dancer, and a Conductor of the Royal Opera House). La Magnolia is particularly suited for 3 couples travelling together since each bedroom has its own private bathroom ensuite, but it is also a good choice for young families with small children since the swimming pool depth does not exceed 1.2 meters. Or if you don't have a car and prefer to stay in town, but still want to enjoy inspiring views and eat "al fresco" on a panoramic roof terrace overlooking the Cortona rooftops, go for Pancrazi (sleeps 4). For a large family party or carefree group of singles, the ideal solution is La Villa (sleeps 10) which has a great swimming pool, while for a smaller family party we have the beautiful and dignified old Cortonese farmhouse called La Certosa (sleeps 8) which is within walking distance of Cortona itself, and also has a large pool with breathtaking panoramic views of the Valdichiana. Finally we have the charming, recently restored Tuscan cottage, Giusi & Dario's (sleeps 6) where you can taste the same food that Frances Mayes (writer of 'Under the Tuscan Sun') serves at Villa Bramasole, duly prepared by 'Giusi', her Italian friend and culinary mentor, who owns and manages this beautifully furnished and decorated villa.
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The town of Cortona itself has so many qualities and attractions, sporting well-stocked shops selling locally produced delicatessen and wines, handmade ceramics, textiles, antique Italian furniture and objets d'arts, designer clothes and jewellery. Above all, it offers an extensive range of inviting bars, restaurants and trattorias where you can taste great local cooking and excellent regional wines.
In the MONTH OF AUGUST (summer) the town now hosts an International (world class) music festival - called the Tuscan Sun Festival - patroned by Frances Mayes herself, with concerts, opera, chamber music and theatrical productions, as well as a variety of traditional events and popular festivals throughout the year to occupy your mind as much as your palate!
Cortona also boasts one of the earliest convents founded by Saint Francis (1211), hidden in an enchanting gorge nearby. It also has some beautiful churches, such as "Madonna del Calcinaio", designed and built by Francesco di Giorgio Martini (1485) and a distinguished art gallery, il Museo Diocesano, housing works by Fra Angelico, Piero della Francesca and his pupil Luca Signorelli, a native of Cortona. And finally, at the top of the hill, you can visit the beloved Patron Saint of Cortona, Saint Margaret, 800 years old to the day, her minute body perfectly preserved and visible in a sealed glass case behind the altar of the sanctuary of Santa Margherita. Maybe she simply awaits the kiss of her secret mediaeval lover, Arsenio Del Monte, a nobleman of Montepulciano, to bring her back to life !
Why you're coming...
The well-equipped and comfortably furnished farmhouses, cottages and apartments listed on this site are a perfect base for visiting the art and architecture of Tuscany and Umbria. Located in the peaceful countryside close by, or in the historic centre of this lovely hilltown, our properties all have inspiring views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
So, whether you come in search of music and art treasures, to celebrate a special anniversary or simply to enjoy good Italian food and a relaxing vacation, you are sure to find what you are looking for. From the day of your arrival, a local English-speaking caretaker will be available to answer your questions and make you feel at home in the region of your choice.
