FOIANO DELLA CHIANA

For all those who are searching for places of interest, rich in emotions and continuous discoveries, Foiano della Chiana represents a true and unique mine of curiosities and itineraries. In a central place on the most typical of Tuscan landscapes, Foiana reveals itself slowly, slowly to the eye of the visitor, but strikes immediately for its component harmony of its urbanistic arrangements, vaguely in the form of a heart, with the point turned towards its “appendage” Pozzo della Chiana. Its urban system is unique in the province of Arezzo and you may admire its singolarity by walking along the old wall, between narrow alleys and small squares. Dominating the town is the soaring majestic torre civica (civic tower), erected at the end of the 700s. In the principal piazza of the town, there is the splendid palazzo pretorio, ancient dwelling of the podestà and today the seat of the Town Hall. Opposite this is the Palazzo con Logge (known as Monte Pio), erected in the XVI century, as a hunting residence for Fernando II deMedici. The palazzo actually houses the Archivio storico (historical archives), the Biblioteca (library) and the Fototeca (photographic library) “Furio Del Furia”, relative to the work of the Foianese pharmasict of the same name. Nearby is the Chiesa delle S.S. Trinità, in the characteristic design of a Greek cross with central cupola of an octagonal form, decorated with majolica polychrome. Inside there is a remarkable Trinità del Pomarancio and a statua col Cristo risorto (statue of the resurrected Christ), which is used in processions during Easter. For its Renaissance style, the architectural simplicity and the sobriety of the inside, this church may be considered an authentic jewel. Of undisputed beauty is the Teatro Garibaldi and the Palazzo Neri-Serneri (XVII century), entirely built in brick, with portals in pietra serena. The Theatre, named after Garibaldi, who stopped at Foiano in 1867, has a curious design in the shape of a horse and ceiling rich in frescoes. On the exterior on the first wall circle, the distinguished Collegiata di S.Martini one of the largest churches of Valdichiana built in 700s and rich in remarkable works of art. The apse, boasts an organ with 2004 reeds. Thanks to other works, preserved in various churches, Foiano may be defined as a true museum. In the neighbourhood we mention the sixteenth century Fattoria Granducale, ancient residence of Lorrainer dukes, and the Tempio di S.Stefano, designed by Vasari on the occasion of the victory of the battle of Scannagallo. What characterizes Foiano, other than the infinity beauty of its artistic jewels, is an important and ancient folk-lore festival, known and appreciated throughout Italy: the Carnevale. This festival is composed of a parade of floats, created by the four quarters of the town. On the last Sunday of carnival there is a masked parade in front of a jury who nominate the winner and then proceed to the cremation of the cheerful King, symbol of the feast. Widely celebrated at Foiano, the Settimana Santa (holy week), with the remembrance of the Ressurection of Jesus with processions through the streets of the town and bursts of firecrackers. There has been constant activity for some years with the Teatro Poplare dArte who organize educational courses on theatre and by shows staged throughout the course of the year. 

CORTONA

Cortona is a town and comune  in the province of Arezzo, in Tuscany, Italy. It is the main cultural and artistic center of the Val di Chiana after Arezzo.
Cortona was founded by the Etruscans, who called it Curtun  in their language. The city was also important during Roman times.

The Castle of Pierle, near Lake Trasimeno to the south of Cortona, already existed in the 10th century. It was the property of the marquises of Saint Mount Maria Tiberina.
Cortona may be accessed by rail: the closest station is Camucia-Cortona, three kilometres away. There are direct trains from Florence, Rome, and Foligno (via Perugia).
Perched at 500 metres above sea level, Cortona dominates the entire Valdichiana, with a view that stretches as far as Monte Amiata.

The town is entirely surrounded by fortifications, that constitute an interesting archaeological element as well as one of its most beautiful aspects. Most of the buildings and streets within the city date from Medieval times – the Basilica of Santa Margherita and the Celle Franciscan sanctuary placed above the city make it natural for any tourist to conduct their visit ‘downwards’ into Cortona.

The only horizontally-running street in Cortona is Ruga Piana, now called Via Nazionale, and leads directly to Piazza della Repubblica dominated by the Medieval Palazzo Comunale, formerly Palazzo Casali, once the home of this aristocratic family and that now houses the Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca. The museum houses an interesting collection of Etruscan and Roman artefacts.

On the opposite side of town, opposite the Romanesque cathedral, stands the Museo Diocesano, which contains some important works by Luca Signorelli and one of the finest Annunciations to have been painted by Beato Angelico.

Beneath Cortona, further down the hill on which the city stands, there are the Etruscan Meloni I and II del Sodo tombs as well as a hypogeum dating from the 6th century BC.

Towards Foiano della Chiana stands the abbey of Santa Maria a Farneta, one of the oldest examples of Romanesque architecture.

Of the annual events organised in Cortona, one of the most interesting is CortonAntiquaria antiques fair that is housed in the 18th century halls of Palazzo Vagnotti and Palazzo Casali from the last Saturday in August to the second Sunday in September.

Altitude: 494 above sea level

Postal code: 52044

Location: Arezzo km 27, Lake Trasimene km 10, Perugia km 50, Siena km 70, Florence km 116

Population: roughly 23,000 inhabitants

Dialling code: 0575 

MARCIANO

Marciano della Valdichiana is a medieval town extraordinarily well preserved, perhaps with the most beautiful fortress in the whole district. Uncertain is the etymological origin of the name of the town, according to some researchers it must trace back to the noble Roman family “Marcia” that was one of the most passionate supporters of the consul Silla at the time of the war against Mario and in virtue of this, at the end of the conflict, it would have obtained, as reward for the given support, the lands that would have so assumed the denomination of "fundus marcianus." The first inhabited settlements are recorded between the V and the I century b.C. but it is just in 1250, or rather at the height of the Middle Ages, that the centre forms a solid urbanistic structure with a rectangular plant that has not suffered changes up to the present days. In the period in matter Marciano suffers in rapid sequence the dominions of Perugia, Siena and Florence but it is only under the jurisdiction of Arezzo that the country consolidates the walls of its Castle, always in this period also the imposing donjon and the four cylindrical angular Towers as defence of the inhabited area are erected. The fortress and the stately tower rise on the east side of the castle, recent restorations have let a great medieval terracotta cistern and some underground corridors be found. The tower, that was probably the place of the command for the defence, has three rooms in the inside, with attics connected to the outside by some detachable wood staircases. It is clear, thanks to this rapid and main point description of the urbanistic structure of the town, that the prevailing function of Marciano was that of military garrison that will be conclusive to tie itself to the Republic of Florence. Marciano della Valdichiana took part to the war against Siena among 1553 and 1555 that culminated in the famous Battle of Scannagallo fought in August 1554, the event went down in history as Battle of Marciano because of the famous painting by Vasari. This epic battle was decisive for the victory of Florence and gave the centre of Marciano the equestrian honour of the order of the Knights of Saint Stephen and the Florentine Lily on the town coat of arms. Marciano well preserves the walls and the doors that surround it. In the second half of 1300 the walls were made of bricks, about ten meters high, built for a lead-defence. The wall perimeter in tiles is today still largely visible in many points, on the west side of the walls is a well preserved tower that has some blind round-arch windows and a moulding with battlement. Among the two towers is the main round-arch door surmounted by the great Medicean coat of arms made of sandstone. As you go beyond the door you enter the historical centre where the most important buildings can be seen: the Palazzo dei Priori (Palace of the Prior), the Donjon and the Castle, under restoration, the four towers and the Church of Saint Stephen and Andrew that can be visited, dating back to the fourteenth century, with nave and two aisles embellished by the seven sixteenth-century altars. On the first altar placed on the right, the painting by Bartholomeo della Gatta can be admired: Madonna with child and saints. Walking through the narrow stone alleys of Marciano which start from the access door of the small village, situated under the Tower of the clock, you breath indeed a relaxing atmosphere that puts us again in peace with ourselves: it seems really to be in a place out of time; all that is around us transmits an unbelievable feeling of peace and serenity that would make you desire to remain forever here.

LUCIGNANO

Lucignano is a fortified town in the Valdichiana, a fine example of mediaeval town planning with its roads built in concentric circles giving the town its typical oval form. The planning and building of the present town began in the year 1200 and was completed around the 16th century, when the town’s highest point and its castle became the centre of religious and political power. A visit to Lucignano can begin with a walk around the well preserved ancient walls. There are four gates to the city; Porta San Giovanni, known as “porta di sotto” (lower gate), Porta San Giusto known as “porta di sopra” (higher gate), Porta Sant’Angelo and Porta Murata (walled gate) so called after it was blocked up sometime in the year 1500. Enter the old town by one of the gates, the town is planned along two main streets, one, the present day Via Matteotti, is called the rich road, the other, Via Roma, is called the poor road. The first, where the nobility built their homes, is wide and full of light, the second is characterized by smaller, poorer dwellings built by the lower classes. A series of roads leading off from the main roads, form an intricate labyrinth taking you to the top of the town, the Town Hall, (Palazzo Comunale) the church of San Francesco and the Collegiate. The building of the Town Hall (Palazzo Pretorio), was started around 1200 and later completed by the Florentines. The main façade, facing Piazza del Tribunale, is covered by numerous coat of arms and memorial plaques showing the symbols of the various chief magistrates. Of particular interest is the Sala della Cancelleria, ancient seat of the local law court. The frescoes on the ceiling are by various 15th century Sienese artists and depict a series of illustrious personages. Some of the rooms on the second floor have fine frescoes with neoclassic subjects, painted around the year 1812 by the Milanese artist Luigi Ademollo. Palazzo Pretorio also houses the Civic Museum. Besides many notable paintings, the most important piece in the museum is undoubtedly the reliquary of San Francesco. Called Albero di Lucignano because of the six branches on each side making it resemble a tree, it is made of silver, gilded copper and enamel and was crafted between 1350 and 1476 by goldsmiths from Arezzo and Siena. It is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of Italian Goldsmith’s art. Annexed to the Town Hall is the church of San Francesco, a fine example of gothic Franciscan basilican architecture with the floor plan in the shape of an Egyptian cross. The construction was probably started in 1248 and finished in 1289. The high and luminous façade is built of travertine stone and sandstone and has a large circular window framed in grey sandstone. Originally the church walls were completely frescoed but only fragments remain. Attributed to Bartolo di Fredi and Taddeo di Bartolo, they show moments in the life of Saint Francis. Il Trionfo della Morte, the Triumph of Death , is the title of the splendid fresco situated on the wall above the first altar on the right hand side of the nave. It shows the precariousness of human life on earth. The church is set amongst a group of buildings, the Oratory of Corpus Domini, the Town Hall, the Monasteries of San Francesco and Santa Margherita, the church of the Crucifix and the Tower delle Monache. The left wall of the Collegiate faces onto Piazza del Tribunale but the façade is in via Rossini. The church was built in the shape of the Latin cross and the vestry, bell tower and rectory were added later. The façade is in two parts. The magnificent door is topped by a tympanum with a carved lily in the centre. The splendid flight of steps leading to the church is made of travertine stone and repeats the oval form of the town plan. Inside there are 17th century altars, paintings by Gemignani di Pistoia, Porta, Rosselli and Giovanni da Sangiovanni and a dramatic high altar. Today, the town maintains its ancient charm, its air of tranquillity and composure.

MONTEPULCIANO

Montepulciano, is built along a narrow limestone ridge at 605 metres above sea level , it is surrounded by walls and by fortifications designed by Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio. Montepulciano is well known for its Renaissance buildings, for its churches and for the “Vino Nobile” wines. The town centre develops along the Corso that goes up the hill up to the central square, Piazza Grande, political and religious heart of the city. As you arrive at Montepulciano and overcome the Giardini di Poggiofanti, you find the Church of St. Agnese, patron of Montepulciano. Inside there are a lot of works among which the monument that contains the body of St. Agnese. As you've gone beyond Porta al Prato, Via Roma begins, from here you come to a little square where a column shows the Marzocco symbol of the Florentine authority that replaced the She-wolf of Siena in 1511. In front of it there is the Palazzo Avignonesi, attributed to Vignola an example of late-Renaissance architecture. Not far there is the Church of St. Bernard, a Baroque-taste work by Padre Andrea Pozzo and the Palazzo Tarugi , that presents late-Renaissance forms too. Crossing Via Roma several Renaissance buildings can be seen such as Palazzo Cocconi-Del Pecora, realized by Anthonio da Sangallo il Vecchio and Palazzo Buccelli. You arrive thus at the Church of St. Agostino, one of the most beautiful in Montepulciano. The façade was designed in the first years of 1400 by Michelozzo Michelozzi, follower and collaborator of Brunelleschi. The inside was reworked again in the XVIII century, here you can find works by Barocci, Allori and Lorenzo di Credi. The wooden crucifix of the high altar has been attributed to Donatello. The characteristic Pulcinella of the XVI century is in front of the church, on the tower and it beats the hours on the bell. Going on, you still find palaces among which Palazzo Tarugi Cappelli, with frescos by Zuccari in the atrium, up to reach the Loggia del Mercato (Loggia of the Market), attributed to Ippolito Scalza. We enter so Via Cavour, where the Renaissance buildings are like a wing: Palazzo Cervini, built by Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio, Palazzo Cagnoni, attributed to Vignola, Palazzo del Seminario, adjacent to which is the church of Jesus, built according to the design of Andrea Pozzo. Reaching Via del Poliziano we find, at number 1, the house of Agnolo Poliziano, who was born here. After a short distance there is the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi of the XVI century with the Baroque inside. The street turns around the Fortress and takes us to Piazza Grande. This is the political and religious centre of Montepulciano. Piazza Grande is one of the most beautiful Italian plazas, it is surrounded by important buildings such as the Cathedral, that dates back to the second half of the XV century: its façade is incomplete but nonetheless suggestive with the bell tower on the left side that is also incomplete. The inside has a nave and two aisle, divided by arches supported by pillars; structurally simple chapels open on the sides of the aisles . On the high altar you can see the monumental Polittico one of the richest and most famous works of the Sienese painter Taddeo di Bartolo. The Palazzo Comunale has a beautiful median tower dating back to the XVI century and it makes you think of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. From the tower you can enjoy a beautiful panorama, that goes up to Umbria in clear and bright days. In front of the Palazzo Comunale is the Palazzo del Monte, today known as Contucci, begun in 1519 by Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio for Cardinal Antonio Ciocchi del Monte, who then became pope Giulio III. In front of the Cathedral is Palazzo Nobili, today Tarugi, also attributed to Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio. The Well, with two lions supporting the Medicean coat of arms, is similar to the one of the Canonica of St. Biagio, that's why it can be attributed to Sangallo. Near the well stands the Palazzo della Pretura that was the building of the captain of the People. Taking Via Ricci, you find Palazzo Ricci on the left side, work by Baldassarre Peruzzi, then the Chapel of St. Antonio and the Palazzo Benincasa, with the bust of Gian Gastone dei Medici on the door. As you've reached a wide space with a terrace on the country you can admire the Church of St. Francis that preserves on the façade the rests of a pulpit from which St. Bernardino spoke, as people say. The visit to the city being complete, you can go down to the Madonna of St. Biagio, Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio's work, inaugurated in 1529 by pope Clemente VII. It rises isolated in the country and it was built on the rests of the ancient Parish of St. Biagio where the tradition wants the Madonna to have been seen moving her eyes. The Greek cross plant is surmounted by a dome, with four arms having the same length. The high altar is a work by Albertini, the frescos with the Transito (Transit), the Assunzione (assumption), the Incoronazione della Madonna (Madonna's crowning) are probably by Zuccari. The Well, similar to the one of Piazza Grande, is also beautiful. 

MONTE SAN SAVINO

An inhabited hamlet since the Etruscan period, Monte San Savino was developed in the Roman period around a castle called Area Alta. In the XIII centuries it was under the dominion of the Ubertini, lords of Arezzo . The decision by the town council to side with the Guelph supported by Florence , cost them the total demolition of the castle wall. In 1337 the Monte was newly populated and subdued by Perugia, Siena and Florence, until 1550 when Cosimo de Medici, Duke of Tuscany conceeded it to Baldovino del Monte the feudal town of Monte San Savino, giving to it the title of county, notwithstanding its full autonomous jurisdiction. After some episodes under the Orsini, the Medici and the Della Rovere, the Town Council returned to the direct grand-ducal dominion. The hamlet, home town of the notable sculptor and architect Andrea Sansovino presents to the visitor all its austere and elegant beauty. To draw back the curtain, the majestic Porta Fiorentina, work of Nanni of Baccio Bigio from a project by Vasari (XVI century). The spectacular, Cassero, reconstructed by the people of Siena in 1383 and successively passed to the Florentines on which they appended their unmistakable Florentine iris. Restructured in the 70s it is today the seat of the Museo Comunale ( Municipal Museum ). At its side, the Chiesa di S.Chiara (1652), where the interior preserves valuable works of Sansovino and of the tardo-robbiana school. On one side of the piazza in front of and towering above is a proud guglia (spire) (1643), whereas on the opposite side, there is Palazzo Galletti which is presented in all of its austere simplicity. Of a Renaissance style, work of Antonio Da Sangallo del Vecchio, the Palazzo Comunale, in pietra serena and ashlar work on the ground floor and of Ionian order on the first floor. The internal courtyard with an open gallery and three arches present two characteristic wells: The palazzo preserves on the inside precious works and a gallery of potraits of celebrated families. The Loggia dei Mercanti is very beautiful and attributed to Sansovino. The Palazzo Pretorio of the 1300s is elegant and dates back to the period of the domination by Perugia, with a classic façade with emblems and a majestic tower which is possible to visit, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and Valdichiana. Particularly interesting is the Piazza Di Monte, where the house of Sansovino has been restored. Above the public fountain, the artist sculptured a valuable marzocco. Rich in artistic works is the Chiesa di SantAgostino, in gothic style. The cantoria is splendid and preserves a very precious decorated stained-glass window by G. De Marcillat showing S. Agostino . Walking through the streets of the town it is possible to stop in the numerous workshops which produce objects in ceramic, a true boast of the town. Inevitable and characteristic, the “scaldino col fischio” (a warmer with whistle) one of the most asked for local souveniers. That object characterizes the colourful and entertainng Fiera di Santa Caterina, which is held the last weekend of November and is known as as the fair of the “equino e dello scaldino col fischio”.