ART AND HISTORY TOURS
CORTONA
The origin of Cortona is surrounded by legends, some involve Crano, one of Noah’s descendants, others are about Enea and the foundation of Troy and Rome. What is certain is that Cortona was one of the capital cities of the Etruscan League. Situated at an altitude of 600 metres, Cortona dominates the Valdichiana and offers spectacular views in every direction. Cortona was in a very strategic position for the Etruscans and is now just that for the savvy traveller. The remains of the Etruscan period are still very visible in the defensive wall that encircles the city centre. The present atmosphere of the town is strongly characterised by its medieval narrow streets that run steep from and towards the towns centre and some of the finest Renaissance examples are the other characteristic of this pearl of Tuscany, among those, perhaps the best being the Chiesa di Santa Maria Nuova designed and built by the architect Vasari facing Antica Quercia Verde agriturismo. For art and history lovers a visit to the Diocesan museum, with its Renaissance collection of paintings and the MAEC museum with its Etruscan collection or walking through the archeological park and its paths are very relaxing and inspiring discoveries. Our agriturismo, farmstay, is situated along the most spectacular walk of the MAEC archeological park situated half way between the Convent of Le Celle, founded by Saint Francis and the Etruscan Toombs of Il Sodo. Many movies have been set in Cortona, among which the popular “Under The Tuscan Sun” adapted from the homonymous book written by Frances Mayes and Villa Bramasole is at walking distance from us.
PERUGIA
The historical town of Perugia in Umbria is roughly a 40 minute drive from Antica Quercia Verde, it is also reachable by public transport from Camucia Cortona. The hilltop town of Perugia was probably inhabited from prehistoric times and today Perugia is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city known for its cultural events, such as Umbria Jazz and The University for Foreigners. It was once a major centre for the Umbrian population and later also for the Etruscans, Perugia town centre and particularly its very interesting underground escalators that illustrate different layers of its history from Roman to Medieval times are particularly beautiful. A day trip to Perugia is certainly worthwhile during your stay at our agriturismo. On the way you’ll pass near Lake Trasimeno with a visit to Assisi or Spello as part of this itinerary.
PIENZA
Pienza represents the ideal town of the Renaissance, having been entirely rebuilt under Pope Piccolomini, it remained untouched for centuries after. The application of humanistic urban planning concepts that were used for the first time in Pienza, created an impetus for planning that was later adopted by other cities in Italy and in Europe. Pienza dominates the breath taking Val d’Orcia and was also the set for various movies (ex. “The Gladiator”). In this area the main local produce is the tasty "Pecorino di Pienza" cheese. Not far from Montepulciano, you will find a hidden beauty named Bagno Vignoni that is well worth a visit. Pienza is definitely a spectacular day trip during your time at Antica Quercia Verde agriturismo.
SIENA
Siena is less than an hour drive from Antica Quercia Verde agriturismo. The town centre is one of the Unesco world heritage sites and is simply magnificient. Siena has examples of Romanesque-Gothic art such as the Duomo, Medieval and Renaissance palaces and churches such as the head quarters of the Monte dei Paschi di Siena being one of the oldest banks and the Gothic Palazzo Chigi where the Accadamia Musicale Chigiana is based. The Piazza del Campo, the town highlight is a magnificent shell shaped square where twice a year the famous horse race Il Palio takes place. Siena is most definetely a place to visit during your stay at our farmstay.
AREZZO
The beautiful town of Arezzo is a 25 minute drive from Antica Quercia Verde. Arezzo was one of the Dodecapolis of the Etruscan League. Its town centre has fine examples of Roman, Medieval, Romanesque and Renaissance churches and sites. The town has been the set of many movies, among those the Oscar winner “Life is Beautiful” of Roberto Benigni. Many historical personalities were born in Arezzo, such as the inventor of modern music notation Guido d’Arezzo, Petrarch the poet and Vasari the painter and architect. It is definitely worth a day trip from our agriturismo that can be organised incorporating a visit to Lucignano, Civitella or Gargonza.
FIRENZE
For art and history lovers Florence is a must. There are so many important things to see, starting from the Uffizi museum, Il David, Il Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, any description here would just be limiting. From Antica Quercia Verde agriturismo you can easily reach Florence by train, making it a hassle free day trip.
CORTONA
Extend
The origin of Cortona is surrounded by legends, some involve Crano, one of Noah’s descendants, others are about Enea and the foundation of Troy and Rome. What is certain is that Cortona was one of the capital cities of the Etruscan League. Situated at an altitude of 600 metres, Cortona dominates the Valdichiana and offers spectacular views in every direction. Cortona was in a very strategic position for the Etruscans and is now just that for the savvy traveller. The remains of the Etruscan period are still very visible in the defensive wall that encircles the city centre. The present atmosphere of the town is strongly characterised by its medieval narrow streets that run steep from and towards the towns centre and some of the finest Renaissance examples are the other characteristic of this pearl of Tuscany, among those, perhaps the best being the Chiesa di Santa Maria Nuova designed and built by the architect Vasari facing Antica Quercia Verde agriturismo. For art and history lovers a visit to the Diocesan museum, with its Renaissance collection of paintings and the MAEC museum with its Etruscan collection or walking through the archeological park and its paths are very relaxing and inspiring discoveries. Our agriturismo, farmstay, is situated along the most spectacular walk of the MAEC archeological park situated half way between the Convent of Le Celle, founded by Saint Francis and the Etruscan Toombs of Il Sodo. Many movies have been set in Cortona, among which the popular “Under The Tuscan Sun” adapted from the homonymous book written by Frances Mayes and Villa Bramasole is at walking distance from us.
PIENZA
Extend
Pienza represents the ideal town of the Renaissance, having been entirely rebuilt under Pope Piccolomini, it remained untouched for centuries after. The application of humanistic urban planning concepts that were used for the first time in Pienza, created an impetus for planning that was later adopted by other cities in Italy and in Europe. Pienza dominates the breath taking Val d’Orcia and was also the set for various movies (ex. “The Gladiator”). In this area the main local produce is the tasty "Pecorino di Pienza" cheese. Not far from Montepulciano, you will find a hidden beauty named Bagno Vignoni that is well worth a visit. Pienza is definitely a spectacular day trip during your time at Antica Quercia Verde agriturismo.
AREZZO
Extend
The beautiful town of Arezzo is a 25 minute drive from Antica Quercia Verde. Arezzo was one of the Dodecapolis of the Etruscan League. Its town centre has fine examples of Roman, Medieval, Romanesque and Renaissance churches and sites. The town has been the set of many movies, among those the Oscar winner “Life is Beautiful” of Roberto Benigni. Many historical personalities were born in Arezzo, such as the inventor of modern music notation Guido d’Arezzo, Petrarch the poet and Vasari the painter and architect. It is definitely worth a day trip from our agriturismo that can be organised incorporating a visit to Lucignano, Civitella or Gargonza.
SIENA
Extend
Siena is less than an hour drive from Antica Quercia Verde agriturismo. The town centre is one of the Unesco world heritage sites and is simply magnificient. Siena has examples of Romanesque-Gothic art such as the Duomo, Medieval and Renaissance palaces and churches such as the head quarters of the Monte dei Paschi di Siena being one of the oldest banks and the Gothic Palazzo Chigi where the Accadamia Musicale Chigiana is based. The Piazza del Campo, the town highlight is a magnificent shell shaped square where twice a year the famous horse race Il Palio takes place. Siena is most definetely a place to visit during your stay at our farmstay.
FIRENZE
Extend
For art and history lovers Florence is a must. There are so many important things to see, starting from the Uffizi museum, Il David, Il Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, any description here would just be limiting. From Antica Quercia Verde agriturismo you can easily reach Florence by train, making it a hassle free day trip.
PERUGIA
Extend
The historical town of Perugia in Umbria is roughly a 40 minute drive from Antica Quercia Verde, it is also reachable by public transport from Camucia Cortona. The hilltop town of Perugia was probably inhabited from prehistoric times and today Perugia is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city known for its cultural events, such as Umbria Jazz and The University for Foreigners. It was once a major centre for the Umbrian population and later also for the Etruscans, Perugia town centre and particularly its very interesting underground escalators that illustrate different layers of its history from Roman to Medieval times are particularly beautiful. A day trip to Perugia is certainly worthwhile during your stay at our agriturismo. On the way you’ll pass near Lake Trasimeno with a visit to Assisi or Spello as part of this itinerary.
