An afternoon in Cortona, Tuscany
Bramasole, Cortona
The ever-enchanting town of Cortona is one of many striking hilltop towns within a 45 minute's drive of our Countryside Estate (opening summer 2022). We stopped by for an afternoon stroll and discovered what all the fuss was about.
Cortona falls just over the Tuscan border with Umbria and boasts views of our wild landscape as well as Lake Trasimeno. This picturesque town was put on the map in the early 2000's by the feel-good romance 'Under the Tuscan Sun' starring Diane Lane.
By the way, if you are feeling like you need a good dose of Italy today, then look no further, this movie is sweet, funny, and hits all the right Italian buttons.
The film, which was based on the book of the same name written by Frances Mayes, stole the hearts of many and over the years, inspired thousands of people to change their lives and relocate to Italy where they would live out their life-long dreams.
If you’re in the area, put “Bramasole'“ into your google maps and you’ll be guided up a skinny winding road to Frances Mayes’ villa. It really is something else and worth a drive-by.
Half an hour in Cortona and you will realise it is much more than the film depicts…
Cortona is almost dream-like and holds all the right ingredients for that perfect Italian hill-top town.
She has:
an expansive yet inviting piazza
ancient buildings, original cobblestoned streets
skinny winding roads just waiting to be photographed
a wide array of restaurants (+ some of the best Gelato we've ever tasted)
a gorgeous church overlooking the valley
an Etruscan museum
an impressive theatre
and most importantly, a truly authentic buzz of local Italian life.
Add Cortona to your list of 'must-visits', she will not disappoint you.
Insider tip: park in the lots below the town and take the escalator up, it will save you time and a headache.
Our recommendation: don’t plan Cortona. Just arrive and let yourself be guided by the ancient streets and honest Italian feels.
