Valdarno and Val di Chiana

<< Tuscany

Valdarno and Val di Chiana are two valleys in the Province of Arezzo. Valdarno is west of Arezzo and it is crossed by the Arno river, which flows from the Casentino toward Florence. Val di Chiana is instead located south of Arezzo and houses the historic town of Cortona. Both these valleys are partly located in other provinces, but the places listed here only include those in the Province of Arezzo.

Cortona

Cortona is a town located at the foot of the hills south of Arezzo. It was one of the largest Etruscan cities, and later a Roman colony. Now it is known for its rich historic and artistic heritage, especially from the Etruscan era and the Renaissance.

Museum of the Etruscan Academy and the City of Cortona

The Museum of the Etruscan Academy and the City of Cortona (Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca e della Città di Cortona) is an archaeological museum housed in a medieval palace in Cortona. The museum is mostly dedicated to the Etruscan civilization, and it features numerous artworks and objects from that period. Part of the collection of the museum are also various Roman and medieval archaeological finds.

Cortona Cathedral

Also known as: Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Concattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta)

The Cortona Cathedral (Duomo di Cortona) is a historic church in Cortona, originally built in the 11th century over a previous pagan temple. The church has been reworked several times, but it still has its Romanesque facade. The cathedral also houses various artworks.

Diocesan Museum of Cortona

The Diocesan Museum of Cortona (Museo Diocesano di Cortona) is a museum of religious art in Cortona. The museum features a rich collection of artworks mostly dating from the Renaissance, including paintings by Fra Angelico, Lorenzetti, and Signorelli. The museum also houses a decorated Roman sarcophagus dating from the 2nd century.

Basilica of Santa Margherita

The Basilica of Santa Margherita is a church located on a hill in Cortona, originally erected in the 14th century, and completely rebuilt in Gothic Revival style during the 19th century. The church features rich decorations and various artworks, and it houses the relics of Saint Margaret of Cortona.

Girifalco Fortress

The Girifalco Fortress (Fortezza del Girifalco) is a 16th-century fortress located on a hill in Cortona, near the Basilica of Santa Margherita. The fortress is connected with the ancient city walls of Cortona, of which some sections are still standing. Now the complex is used to host events. Thanks to its position, it offers a great view over the surrounding region.

Convent of Le Celle

The Convent of Le Celle (Convento delle Celle) is a religious complex founded in the 13th century in the mountains near Cortona. The hermitage housed Saint Francis of Assisi, and it includes the cell where he lived, a church, and a few other small buildings.

Castiglion Fiorentino

Castiglion Fiorentino is a town located south of Arezzo. Contested between local powers in the Late Middle Ages, it got its current name after being conquered by Florence.

Cassero of Castiglion Fiorentino

The Cassero is a medieval tower and fortification in Castiglion Fiorentino. The current structure, which is partially ruined, dates from the 14th century. Next to the tower is an archaeological museum with various finds from the area around the town.

Montecchio Vesponi Castle

The Montecchio Vesponi Castle is a medieval castle located on a hill south of Castiglion Fiorentino, overlooking the village of Montecchio Vesponi. Built during the Late Middle Ages, it was restored in the 20th century, and it features imposing walls and fortifications, topped by a tall tower.

Montevarchi

Montevarchi is a town located northwest of Arezzo. The city emerged during the Late Middle Ages, and it has been for centuries a relevant commercial, agricultural, and industrial center.

Paleontological Museum of Montevarchi

The Paleontological Museum of Montevarchi (Museo Paleontologico di Montevarchi) is a rich museum of paleontology in Montevarchi. Its collection includes several fossils and samples of ancient flora and fauna mostly found in the area around the city. The most notable piece in the museum is the large skull of a mammoth.

San Giovanni Valdarno

San Giovanni Valdarno is a town located along the Arno river in the Province of Arezzo. The town was founded in 1296, and it is known for being the birthplace of Renaissance painter Masaccio.

Piazza Masaccio

Piazza Masaccio is the main square of San Giovanni Valdarno, surrounded by historic buildings. To the southwest is the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a Renaissance church with a Neoclassical facade. This church also features a museum of religious art with various Renaissance artworks. The Gothic Church of San Lorenzo is adjacent to the basilica and features some ancient frescoes and artworks. The northeastern side of the square hosts the Palazzo d’Arnolfo, a palace of medieval origins housing a museum of local history.

Casa Masaccio

Casa Masaccio is an art museum housed in the childhood home of Renaissance painter Masaccio. The museum includes a collection of modern and contemporary artworks, and hosts temporary exhibitions.