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Friday, March 23, 2018

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.]
On the road to Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

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

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

Graffiti.
Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

On the 3km walk to the monastery there were some great views to the west.
Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

The Capuchin Monastery =secluded; stone; water.
Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

A rushing torrent cuts right in front on the buildings.
Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

The cell of Saint Francis.
Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

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

Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

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.
Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

San Nicoli is closed until April 1. Bummer.
Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

But just below there is a great view to Lago Trasimeno.
Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

.There is little flat ground in Cortona.
Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

The Piazza della Repubblica.
Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

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.
Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

Not to mention the famous Annunciation by Fra Angelico from 1436
Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

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

Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

We head back to the bus stop via medieval streets.
Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

Cortona, Tuscany, Italy

And a view of Castiglion Fiorentino on the bus ride home.
Cortona, Tuscany, Italy















1 comment:

Kathy said...

Very nice! Glad you finally got some better looking weather.

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