What To See And Do If You Have Found A Villa Rental In Cortona

Simply wandering the picturesque and characteristic winding streets of the town, if you have found a vacation rental in Cortona, is a rewarding enough activity (though be prepared to tackle some steep inclines!). However, as you explore this charmingly pretty town, you will also stumble upon some incredible specific attractions, such as Palazzo Casali. This former noble residence of the ruling Casali family was first built in the 13th century and eventually became the City Museum, a library, the Museum of the Accademia Etrusca (MAEC), and the Etruscan Academy Art Gallery (home to 13th-17th century works by painters such as Pinturicchio, Signorelli, Taddeo Gaddi, Spinello Aretino, Piazzetta and more). A great architectural gem that is home to four wonderful cultural institutions, it is a fascinating jewellery box of a building where one can view antique furniture, paintings, weapons, ornaments, ladies’ fans, china, ancient coins, and more. It also offers some particularly impressive views over that famously gorgeous surrounding scenery. Additionally, the town is home to the Diocesan Museum, which – though located in a rather nondescript former church building – is home to a Roman sarcophagus with carved centaurs and battle scenes that was much admired by Donatello and Brunelleschi and Fra Angelico's wonderful, “Annunciation,” (1428-30) and a triptych of the Madonna and Child with Saints, among many other impressive works of art.

Another excellent spot to take in those famous views in town and yet another Renaissance treasure to be visited, if you have found a luxury villa in Cortona and are spending time exploring the area, is the stunning Church of Santa Maria Nuova. This is a very important example of a centralised square-plan church built by famous architect Giorgio Vasari in 1554. Located just outside of the walls of Cortona, it was constructed to house a miraculous image of the Virgin. We recommend coming just before sunset to watch the lush green of the valley turn golden and soak up the magical atmosphere of peace and quiet around this stunning Renaissance gem.

For the most impressive view of all while in Cortona, however, you need to head to Girifalco Fortress. This Medici stronghold is located on the highest point of the hill on which Cortona is positioned and was built by Gabrio Serbelloni in the 16th century for Cosimo I Medici. Later used as a police garrison, the Fortress is now a venue for local events and exhibitions and an impressive example of historic military architecture to be admired. However, if you have found a villa with pool in Cortona, you're probably going to be heading there to take in that astounding sweeping view of the town and valley below!

In addition to these wonderful attractions, Cortona also hosts a festival of recreated medieval traditions from May through June each year, including the Giostra dell'Archidado, or the Archidado Joust. Taking place on the second Sunday of June, this festival dates back to 1397 and sees the streets of Cortona decorated with Medieval-style banners and flags, the sound of trumpets and drums filling the air, markets taking place, figures in costume cropping up all over, parades marching by, and the five quarters of the town competing in a crossbow competition. Finding a luxury villa in Cortona in time to attend this incredible festival is a truly unforgettable and magical experience.

If all of that isn't enough for you, if you find a villa rental in Cortona and are spending time in the town, you can also enjoy wandering the shopping streets filled with little stores selling handmade crafts, delicious local food products, and great red wines from the nearby famous wine regions of Montepulciano and Montalcino. After working up an appetite exploring the town, you can sample the local cuisine in excellent restaurants in town and sample some of those aforementioned wines in Cortona's bars. You can also readily head on day-trips to the similarly beautiful walled town of Arezzo, go wine-tasting in nearby wineries, view the Villa Bramasole that was featured in Under the Tuscan Sun, and more. You truly never will be short of things to see and do in lovely Cortona!