So popular was the cult of the Madonna degli Alemanni that in 1730 the church was knocked down and a new, bigger one built in its stead. It was decorated with stuccoes and frescoes including a Madonna with San Andrea Avellino, by the 18th century Cortona artist Fabbrucci, and a 15th century fresco of the Madonna della Quercia from the school of Bartolomeo della Gatta. Among the original church's remains, two gothic capitals and two frescoes are now housed in the Istituto delle Suore Serve di Maria Riparatrici, in Via G Severini, just opposite the hotel. In the late 18th century, the Archduke Leopoldo di Toscana ordered the demolition of many of Tuscany's small churches; the Church of the Madonna was razed and a gentleman's residence, the Villa Marsili, was erected in its place.
You'll find Cortona a marvellous spot for a relaxing break. This lovely town is one of the dozen cities that once made up the Etruscan Federation. Spectacularly located, high on a hill above the Valdichiana, it has long been a centre of art. Today it is still noted for its architecture and museums, most notably the Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca and the Duomo, and is packed with quaint shops, good restaurants and pretty streets.
Down in the Valdichiana you are in a valley of prosperous farming country, home to the famous Chianina cattle, source of the Florentine bistecca. And you'll find plenty to do nearby, with horse riding and tennis 1km away, a gym and swimming pool 2.5km away and golf 15km away.
This Tuscany hotel offers a tremendous combination of one of Tuscany's finest mediaeval hill towns, glorious countryside and lots to see and do.
