The territory
The B&B of Cortona Casale l’Antico Carro is located in the beautiful valley surrounding Cortona, a well renowned and appreciated worldwide Etruscan town in Tuscany, in the heart of Valdichiana. Those wishing to spend their vacations in Tuscany cannot miss a visit of Cortona, one of the most important art towns in Tuscany, for an unforgettable journey among culture, history, arts and nature.
As the legend by Virgil goes, Cortona was founded by mythical Dardanus. During a fight he lost his helmet called Corys, from which the name Cortona would probably derive. As the history goes, however, Cortona was probably founded by the Umbrians more than 3000 years ago, becoming a powerful Etruscan lucumonia (a religious town) under the name of Curtum in the 8th century B.C. The town was then dominated by the Romans and by the Goths, before becoming a free comune in the 12th century and then part of the Florentine Republic.
Cortona, a jewel of Etruscan and medieval arts and history, enclosed by beautiful Etruscan and Roman walls, which are still well preserved, is characterized by narrow streets with breathtaking views onto Valdichiana and the Tuscan hills, by dozens of important churches from the historic, artistic and religious points of view and by imposing medieval and Renaissance palaces. Among the points of interest of Cortona we find the Town Hall, which towers above Piazza della Repubblica with its beautiful stairway of the 16th century; Palazzo Casali, seat of the renowned Museum of the Etruscan Academy and the City of Cortona (MAEC), which is famous for its treasures dating back to the Etruscan, Roman, Egyptian, Medieval and Modern time, such as the Etruscan bronze Chandelier of the 5th century B.C., the one of its kind; the Cathedral and the Diocesan Museum, which contains some works painted by important painters from Cortona such as Fra Angelico, Luca Signorelli, Pietro Berrettini and Pietro Lorenzetti; the Basilica of Santa Margherita and the Fortress of the Medici family, which tower above the town from the hilltop; and quite close to the historic center the beautiful Hermitage Le Celle where Saint Francis, patron saint of Italy, lived and spread his religious creed. Finally, a few miles away from Cortona, an Archaeological Park has been recently opened at the bottom of the hill, showing important Etruscan tombs from the archaeological point of view.
While staying at B&B Casale l’Antico Carro, you could easily visit Tuscany and reach quickly other wonderful art and culture jewels and places with a long culinary tradition and wine production experience like Pienza, Montepulciano, Montalcino, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and Siena. But also Umbria and important historic and religious towns like Assisi, Orvieto and Perugia are not far away. You cannot miss a visit to Lake Trasimeno too, one of the favorite destinations of birdwatchers and fishing lovers.
Go on an exciting journey discovering the wine routes, the good Tuscan cuisine, the Renaissance arts, the Etruscan and Medieval history and the most unspoiled nature during your unforgettable vacation in Cortona.
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