Arezzo and Cortona Tour

Beautiful cities of Etruscan origin and both characterized by a dominant position over the surrounding area Cortona and Arezzo are located a short distance away (35 km) and it is therefore possible to visit them together in one day.

Cortona and its international atmosphere

Cortona, despite its small size, has always stood out for its cultural vivacity and international atmosphere ever since it became an important center for archaeological research in the 18th century thanks to the “Etruscan Academy” and the “Etruscan Museum”, both founded in 1728 and acclaimed by passionate supporters throughout Europe such as Voltaire and Montesquieu who also became partners.

More recently Cortona has returned to international prominence thanks to the Californian writer Frances Mayes’ novel Under the Tuscan Sun, which is set there as well as the film based on it.Più recentemente Cortona è tornata sulla ribalta internazionale grazie al romanzo della scrittrice californiana Frances Mayes Under the Tuscan Sun (“Sotto il sole della Toscana”) , che vi è ambientato come anche il film che ne è stato tratto.

Arezzo and the charm of ancient Tuscany waiting to be discovered

Arezzo, the provincial capital and famous for the production of refined jewellery, was the birthplace of the Benedictine Guido Monaco or Guido d’Arezzo, inventor in the 11th century. of musical notes, of Petrarch, Giorgio Vasari and Pietro Aretino while a great artist and mathematician like Piero della Francesca left his masterpiece in this city. This is the extraordinary cycle of Renaissance frescoes “The Legend of the True Cross”, considered a milestone in the history of universal art. Its very well preserved medieval and Renaissance historical center was immortalized by Roberto Benigni in the famous film “Life is beautiful” which won an Oscar in 1999.

A day to get to know the art treasures of Cortona and Arezzo

In one day you will be able to discover their wonderful squares, churches and medieval and Renaissance palaces in complete calm. In Cortona, Piazza Garibaldi with its magnificent view over the whole Valdichiana, San Domenico, via Nazionale, Piazza della Repubblica with the Palazzo del Comune, San Francesco, Piazza Signorelli with Palazzo Casali and the Cathedral. In Arezzo, Piazza San Francesco with the church of San Francesco where Piero della Francesca left his masterpiece, the medieval Pieve, Piazza Grande with the Logge designed by Vasari, the Cathedral and San Domenico which houses the painted cross by Cimabue.

What you will see

  • Piazza Garibaldi in Cortona with its incredible view over the whole Valdichiana
  • The church of San Domenico in Cortona
  • The historic center of Cortona with Via Nazionale, Piazza della Repubblica with the Palazzo del Comune, Piazza Signorelli with Palazzo Casali, seat of the MAEC (Museum of the Etruscan Academy and of the City of Cortona) and San Francesco
  • The Cathedral of Cortona
  • Piazza San Francesco with the exterior of the church of San Francesco in Arezzo
  • Piazza Grande in Arezzo with the Logge Vasariane
  • The parish church of Santa Maria in Arezzo
  • The Cathedral of Arezzo
  • San Domenico in Arezzo with the Crucifix by Cimabue

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