Cortona

From Azezzo, we made a day trip to the hill top town of Cortona, made famous by the book "Under the Tuscan Sun."  It turned out to be rather enjoyable.

1. Cortona was rather easy to get to by public transport.  There are a number of bus/train options.  We opted for the direct bus.
2. There are a couple of different activities that were engaging.
a. We walked to the Capuchin Monastery of Le Celle, founded by Saint Francis.  The serene complex appeared more Eastern to us.
b. The Diocesan Museum holds one of most iconic Renaissance paintings, the Annunciation by Fra Angelico, though I was more attracted to Signorelli's paintings, John the refectory.

We snagged "front row" seats on the bus from Arezzo to Cortona and enjoyed the view. [Traveler's tip: The folks who sell intercity bus tickets at the Infopoint in Arezzo (between the train station and the bus stops) are super helpful and patient - so are the folks at the TI in town.]


The bus stop in Cortona is near the remnants of a 2500 y.o. Etruscan City gate.


John is either thirsty or just can't resist drinking from an ancient fountain.


Graffiti.


On the 3km walk to the monastery there were some great views to the west.


The Capuchin Monastery =secluded; stone; water.






A rushing torrent cuts right in front on the buildings.


The cell of Saint Francis.


The monastary's small church reminds me of an Orthodox Monastery we visited in Bosnia.




Back in Cortona we visit The Sanctuary of Santa Margherita which sits on the city's highest point. Santa Margherita is the city's patron saint.






San Nicoli is closed until April 1. Bummer.


But just below there is a great view to Lago Trasimeno.




.There is little flat ground in Cortona.






The Piazza della Repubblica.




The Diocesan Museum has some excellent paintings from around town. We were captivated by the Signorelli Room. This is The Dead Christ Mourned, painted by Signorelli in 1502.




Not to mention the famous Annunciation by Fra Angelico from 1436




And my favorite, the painted ceiling of the refectory with a terracotta Pieta.








We head back to the bus stop via medieval streets.




And a view of Castiglion Fiorentino on the bus ride home.