Cortona

DAY 11

 

On our bus ride to Cortona, Stacy pointed out stacks of white carrara marble slabs laid out at a distribution center. 

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The rain seemed to be following us as we traveled to Cortona, a small, medieval hill town. Ironically, in spite of our rainy experience there, Cortona is most well-known as the setting for the book and movie, Under the Tuscan Sun.

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Once arriving in Cortona, our expert bus driver, Viviano, dropped us off at the highest point where he was still able to park the bus. After climbing up a very steep street, we visited the Etruscan Archaeological Museum which had an interesting collection of Etruscan pottery, figures, and other artifacts.

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Il Pozzo Galleria D'Arte

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After lunch, we walked around and visited some of the local shops. Unexpectedly, while ambling down a small side street, we heard soft music coming from somewhere close by. We followed the sound and discovered an art gallery with paintings, leather goods, jewelry, and other local crafts, called Il Pozzo Galleria D’Arte. While there, we fell in love with several painted scenes of Tuscany. I have always loved bookmarks and have amassed a sizable collection over the years, so I decided to buy a delicately painted bookmark to add to my collection.

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While talking with the friendly owner, Ivan Botanici, who spoke perfect English, we learned about the fascinating history of the building. His gallery was once a part of a main Etruscan area in the 11th century and still contains an old well from that time period.

 

Our time in Cortona was very brief and we truly wished we could have stayed longer to explore more of this fascinating town; but before we knew it, it was time to get back on the bus and head to Siena.