Around Cortona - Pienza Cortona Hotel

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Pienza

Famous also for the Pecorino - Sheep Cheese

44 Km from Cortona

Pienza is the most important town in Vall D’Orcia and in 1996 the historic center was declared an Humanity property by Unesco.

Almost unknown until 1462, it was rebuilt as requested by Pope Pio II who was born in the town.

During the Second World War, Pienza was one of the bases for partisans and for this reason the town has received a lot of honours.

Things to see: the Gotic Cattedrale dell’Assunta, as well as many old palaces from the tenth Renaissance period.

Don’t miss out tasting the typical Pecorino cheese from Pienza.

Arezzo
30 km from Cortona Arezzo is one of the first and oldest Etruscan Towns and an important site of the Ancient Roman Empire. There are many historical/artistic buildings to visit: inside the Dome, which is a sample of gothic style, it is possible to see the fresco “Maddalena” painted by Piero della Francesca an important Tuscan painter;. The “Fortezza Medicea” is a fortress built in the 15th century. During the year it is possible to join cultural events such as the Arezzo Wave Love Festival ( music ), “Giostra del Saracino” ( medieval rievocation ), hand-craft events.
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Assisi
70 km from Cortona Ancient tracks show that Assisi already existed during the Neolithic age, but only during The Roman Empire did it receive its status of town. Assisi is hometown to San Francesco and Santa Chiara who were born and lived here during the end of the 1100 century. There are several churches to visit, especially those dedicated to San Francesco and Santa Chiara.
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Firenze
103 km from Cortona One of the most beautiful towns in the world, where art and culture are simply and naturally mixed. An important Univeristy site and Unesco Humanity property, it is considered the heart of Reinessance. There are a lots of monuments and museums to visit: The Dome, Santa Croce, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, Pitti Palace.
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Gubbio
68 km from Cortona One of the oldest Italian towns full of history and monuments. Things to see: churches dedicated to Saint Francesco who lived here after his escape from his father's house.
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Lago Trasimeno
About a 15 minutes drive from Cortona, it is possible to visit Lake Trasimeno, one of the largest Italian lakes. Thanks to the the low tide, the “Oasi Valley” is an interesting part of the lake from a natural perspective; it is a stop for birds during the migration period. On Trasimeno Lake there are 3 islands: Polvese, Maggiore, Minore. Polvese island, the biggest one, is located on the southern part of the lake. Since 1995 the island has been used for scientific research and environmental experiments. Due to the high humidity, the southern part is a refuge for several birds species. Maggiore island is the only inhabited and it has 18 people living there permanently. It is possible to reach the island by ferry from Tuoro Sul Trasimeno, Passignano sul Trasimeno and Castiglione del Lago. Walking along the paths on the island, one can admire the typically Mediterranean plant life such as the olive trees and the pines. Minore island, the smallest one, is fwooded and a refuge for cormorants. Around Lake Trasimeno there are some characteristic villages including: Castiglione del Lago with its bastion and Passignano with its fortress. In both places there are also good lake fish restaurants.
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Montalcino
68 km from Cortona This area is famous for its wine called Brunello. The hill on which Montalcino is based, was already inhabited during the Etruscan age. Things to see: The Santissmo Salvatore Cathedral, which was built in place of the ancient San Salvatore Pieve (built on 1000); the Astrusi Theatre, built in 1766 Events throughout the year: Jazz & Wine in July; The international Festival of Montalcino, born in 1996 as a cultural itinerary. Every year there are spectacular events such as street shows, music, theater, dance and Art Film festivals in the squares, castles, churches.
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Montepulciano
33 Km from Cortona An “S” shaped old medieval town, it is surrounded by 3 ancient walls. Thanks to some documents found inside the Fortress, it is believed that the town existed in the 3rd and 4th Century AC. Important buildings to see: Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral and the noble palace of Nobili-Tarugu which is in front of the Cathedral. Throughout the year gastronomic, cultural and artistic events are organized. The last Sunday in August, it is possible to join the Bravio delle Botti, a game played between the 8 districts of Montepulciano, in honour of the patron saint San Giovanni Decollato. Wines from Montepulciano are very famous and have a long tradition as the wine culture of Montepulciano has existed since the Etruscan age.
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Orvieto
50 km from Cortona A town full of history and museums, it is also a stop for students and tourists. Indeed it is site for 2 important Universities: Università degli Studi, and Università per stranieri ( the largest in Italy ). The historic center is located on a hill 450 metres above sea level, and it is made up of 5 districts, one for each gate. Things to see: - Etruscan Arch or August Arch, the most important Etruscan monument. - The Fountain Maggiore ( 1275-1278), one of the most important monuments in Perugia and in all the Medieval sculptures. - The Rocca Paolina is an important monument that connects Piazza Partigiani with Piazza Italia via an escalator. Things to do during the year: Umbria Jazz, an international music festival in July; the Eurochocolate, the chocolate kermesse in October; International Journalism Festival, in April.
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Perugia
50 km from Cortona A town full of history and museums, it is also a stop for students and tourists. Indeed it is site for 2 important Universities: Università degli Studi, and Università per stranieri ( the largest in Italy ). The historic center is located on a hill 450 metres above sea level, and it is made up of 5 districts, one for each gate. Things to see: - Etruscan Arch or August Arch, the most important Etruscan monument. - The Fountain Maggiore ( 1275-1278), one of the most important monuments in Perugia and in all the Medieval sculptures. - The Rocca Paolina is an important monument that connects Piazza Partigiani with Piazza Italia via an escalator. Things to do during the year: Umbria Jazz, an international music festival in July; the Eurochocolate, the chocolate kermesse in October; International Journalism Festival, in April.
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Roma
207 km from Cortona Rome is called the eternal city because of the high number of well-preserved monuments which make you feel like you are “living in history”. The artistic history of Rome dates back to 200 AC The historical center is surrounded by the aurelian wall and shows the history, culture and art of ancient european world. In 1980 it was declared a Humanity Property by Unesco together with the properties of Vaticano and San Paolo Basilica. Rome is the heart of Christianity, it is the only town in the world which has a foreign country within its boundaries, the Vatican, and for this reason it is called the 2 country capital.
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Siena
70 Km from Cortona Siena is a town where culture, art and history are magically mixed. Walking through its streets you feel like walking into a museum. Famous for the Palio, a horse race which takes place at the Piazza del Campo, Siena organizes events throughout the year thanks to its tradition of music, gastronomy and wine.
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