Cortona is a town in Italy that feels like stepping back in time. It’s perched on a hill in Tuscany, and the views are amazing. Even though it’s known from a movie, there’s still a quiet feeling here that makes you feel like you’ve found something special. The old streets are made of cobblestones, and there are many small shops and places to eat. It has very old roots, going back to the Etruscans and Romans, and you can see that history in the buildings and streets.
A Beautiful Tuscan Town
Cortona sits high up, offering wide views of the Chiana Valley. It’s one of the prettiest towns in Italy, and you can see why people love it. The history is everywhere, from the Etruscan walls to the Roman remnants and the medieval buildings. The town center is easy to walk around, with narrow streets and pretty squares. It’s a place that invites you to slow down and take it all in. You’ll find lots of little shops selling local crafts and delicious food.
Luxury in an Old Monastery
I stayed at Il Monastero di Cortona Hotel and Spa. It opened in 2019 but is in a building that dates back to the 1400s. It used to be a monastery. They’ve done a great job turning it into a beautiful hotel while keeping the old features. You can see the original beamed ceilings and old wooden doors. They even found and restored some old paintings during the renovations. The lobby is bright and welcoming, with a stunning Murano glass chandelier. The staff are very friendly and make you feel looked after right away with a nice welcome drink.
The hotel grounds are just as lovely. There’s a courtyard and a cloister, and a nice garden. They also have a new terrace with a small pool and lounge chairs. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the Tuscan scenery. The hotel feels very peaceful, like a real break from the everyday. It’s a great place to stay if you want to explore the Tuscany region.
Rooms and Suites
The hotel has 36 rooms and suites, each one different. They used to be the monks’ rooms. There are different types of rooms, from classic to suites. Some attic rooms have nice bathrooms with chromotherapy showers and fancy products. The rooms are decorated in a simple, stylish way with calm colors. The beds are big and really comfortable, which is nice in Italy. You’ll notice marble and wood floors, white beams on the ceiling, and decorations made by local artists. It feels very elegant but also comfortable, like a luxurious country home.
Dining Experiences
Il Monastero has two restaurants. Osteria del Santo is a more casual place, perfect for lunch. It opened because guests wanted another option without leaving the hotel. The inside looks like a cozy country house. They serve traditional Italian food, but lighter dishes. Things like salads, sandwiches, and simple pasta dishes. They also have local cheeses and meats, and a grill for meats, fish, and cheese. Everything is seasonal, using local ingredients.
I tried their special dish, stracci di pasta all’uovo ragu. It’s a homemade pasta with a rich meat sauce made from Chianina beef, which is famous here. It was topped with a creamy cheese sauce. I had it with a glass of their local red wine and some homemade cookies for dessert. The Osteria is also where you have breakfast each morning, and it’s very generous.
Fine Dining at Gli Affreschi
Ristorante Gli Affreschi is the hotel’s main restaurant. It’s a very elegant place, inspired by Tuscan cooking but with a modern twist. The dining room looks almost regal, with dark wood, vaulted ceilings, and a warm, golden light. It’s very comfortable and makes you feel special. The restaurant is named after some frescoes found on the walls during renovations. They have a great wine list, with wines from all over Italy.
The food here is creative and uses the best local ingredients. They have tasting menus that celebrate the flavors of Tuscany. On one menu, I had a slow-cooked egg, a rich bread soup, pasta with saffron, venison, a great cheese selection, and a special tiramisu. The wine pairings were perfect, with wines chosen by the sommelier. The service was excellent, and the chef even came to greet guests after dinner. It was a truly memorable meal.
Relaxing at the Spa
There’s a spa called Bagni di Bacco beneath the hotel. It’s built in an old Roman cistern, so it feels like you’re bathing like the Romans did. It’s a very calming place with gentle sounds of water. The spa is named after the Roman god of wine and arts. It has a big indoor heated pool with jacuzzi jets for different massages. There’s also a sauna and a steam room. You can get various beauty treatments and massages, including some for new mothers. They use natural and high-quality products.
Staying at the hotel gives you access to the spa for a certain amount of time each day. You need to book your visit in advance. It’s a great place to unwind and feel refreshed.
Things to Do in Cortona
The historic center of Cortona is small but has lots to see. You’ll find many shops selling local goods and nice places to have a drink, called enotecas. Besides the hotel restaurants, I really enjoyed Ristorante La Loggia. It’s run by a family and has been around for almost 50 years. It’s up a bit from the main square with a nice view of the church. They serve very traditional and delicious Tuscan food. The atmosphere is welcoming, and you can even eat outside in the warmer months.
What are local food specialties
You can expect classic Tuscan dishes like pasta and grilled meats. At La Loggia, they also have interesting options like risotto with pepper sauce and gnocchi with pumpkin sauce.
Don’t miss trying local wines, especially the Cortona DOC Syrah. Many places will have a good selection.
There’s also a restaurant called Il Falconiere nearby, which has a Michelin star, but you would need a car to get there as it’s not in the town center.
Where to Find Great Wine
Enoteca Molesini is a famous wine shop that’s been around since 1937. It’s family-owned and has a huge selection of Italian wines. They also sell local food products. You can even get wine and food delivered worldwide. They offer wine tastings and organize events, including a big wine week every winter. It’s a great place to learn about Italian wines.
Shopping for Local Goods
For fashion, Laura Laureto makes high-quality clothing in Italy using materials like cashmere and silk. It’s a luxury boutique.
Historical Sights and Attractions
Inside the town walls, the MAEC Museum is a must-see. It has treasures from the Etruscan, Roman, and even Egyptian eras. Teatro Signorelli is a historic theater and cinema right in the center. You can also walk to Belvedere di Via Santa Margherita for amazing views, and the Basilica di Santa Margherita is nearby.
Villa Bramasole, the house from the movie ‘Under the Tuscan Sun,’ is also a walk away. If you have a car, you can visit The Hermitage ‘Le Celle’ Monastery, which is very old. The Archeological MAEC Park shows more ancient Roman and Etruscan ruins.
How to get to Cortona
Getting to Cortona can involve trains and buses. You can take a train to one of the local stations, but then you’ll need a bus to get up to the town itself, as walking is difficult. Buses also run from outside the town walls into the center.
Renting a car is highly recommended if you want to explore the wider Tuscany region. The hotel offers private parking underground, which is convenient.
Planning Your Visit
Il Monastero di Cortona Hotel and Spa is open from March to November. Prices start around €450 per night. It’s a wonderful place for a peaceful and luxurious stay. Being able to experience a place like this with my family, especially seeing their wonder at the ancient streets and delicious food, makes the travel so worthwhile. My daughter, Lily, loved the cookies after dinner, and my son, Ethan, was fascinated by the old buildings. Even Michael, my husband, found a great wine to enjoy on the terrace.
Cortona offers a beautiful glimpse into Italy’s past with all the comforts of today. It’s a place that stays with you long after you leave.
If you’re looking for a special trip in Italy, Cortona is a wonderful choice. Exploring ancient towns and enjoying amazing food makes for a perfect getaway.