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And see Cortona. One of the 12 cities of the Etruscan League, substantial stretches of its ancient defences can still be seen, built into the later mediaeval walls; apart from a few fine Renaissance palaces, Cortona's architecture is predominantly mediaeval. With steep narrow streets clinging to the hillside, and the city a full 600 metres above sea level, Cortona commands magnificent views of the whole of the Valdichiana. There are excellent galleries and museums within the town displaying Renaissance Italian art, and the valley below is littered with Etruscan tombs.
In Etruscan times the town of Camars stood on the southern edge of the Valdichiana, and was powerful enough to defeat Imperial Rome. Today the town is known as Chiusi, and boasts mediaeval architecture, remnants of buildings from the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in the early middle ages, as well as remains of Roman buildings raised upon the old Etruscan town. Again, there is much in the way of museums, Etruscan remains and tombs to be seen here.
Visit San Quirico D'Orcia. Originally an Etruscan town, it acquired importance thanks to the neighbouring Via Franchigena. The pretty Romanesque Collegiata Giuditta is well worth a trip, with the south door credited to Pisano.
And your visit wouldn’t be complete without a trip into Montalcino. The home of Brunello wine, arguably Italy’s best wine, it is also a classic Tuscan hill town, with all its mediaeval walls intact, and overlooked by a fairytale 14th century castle. From its promontory, 564 metres above sea level, this ancient town dominates the surrounding countryside, clinging to the slopes of the hill. In the labyrinth of little streets you will find artisans’ workshops, small cafes and shops selling typical local produce: besides wine, there is renowned honey and locally-made biscuits known as ‘dead bones’.
Check out the fine Town Hall, and the Bishop’s Palace. This latter houses the United Civic, Diocesan and Archaeological Museums, with works by important 13th-16th century Sienese artists, such as Bartolo di Fredi, Il Sodoma and Bartolomeo Neroni. The town also has important early mediaeval churches, such as those of Saint Augustine, Saint Giles and Saint Francis, all built between the 13th and 14th centuries. And just a little way out of town, near Castelnuovo dell’Abate in the Starcia valley, you will find the Romanesque abbey of St Antimus. This striking little temple, founded by Charlemagne in 781AD is enveloped in an almost magical atmosphere.
And this is just a taste of the riches that lie nearby this lovely short stay Tuscan holiday accommodation. Get out your maps (and the owners of Fattoria Martiena will be delighted to help with any advice you need) and enjoy this very beautiful area of southern Tuscany.
