MONASTERO DI CORTONA: A Modern Hotel in a Historic Monastery

With modern amenities within a historic monastery, the Monastero di Cortona lets you experience both Old World charm and newly updated facilities. Located within Cortona's Etruscan walls, this newly transformed hotel is both convenient and cozy. Each of the hotel's rooms, bathrooms and even windows have their own unique configurations and still retain their rich history.

Though the renovated monastery has all the contemporary comforts of home, the monastery's original structure can still be seen in the beamed and vaulted ceilings, as well as in the imposing corridors, loggias, and frescoes which have been recovered and restored. The custom décor was designed by local craftsmen in classic-modern fashion which stays true to the space's architectural beauty, while the floors and bathrooms are comprised of travertine marble and wooden floors. While sitting in the hotel's large hall, a former friar's refectory, or sipping on a signature cocktail at the bar, you are instantly transported to another place in time while surrounded by frescoes from 1676. The most historic part of the former monastery is now the home of the spa and features an indoor swimming pool with a garden as well as a plunge pool in the central open space of the property. The entire renovation of the monastery was carried out in compliance with the recommendations of the Cortona Monuments Authority and the environment.

Their rooms and suites will give you sweet dreams as you enjoy views overlooking quaint streets, the roof garden, the valley or the internal cloister. The classic rooms feature wooden floors and spacious bathrooms, and charming attic rooms offer spectacularly scenic views from high windows. White beamed ceilings and decorated cornices found in the superior rooms add dimension to the space while the deluxe rooms are defined by vaulted ceilings. One of the deluxe rooms even connects to a superior room by an anteroom, giving you extra space for a getaway with friends and family.  Enjoy the sights of the city as you sit back and relax in your junior suite which also features frescoed ceilings and your very own fireplace.

The storied and fairytale-esque town of Corona, set upon a hill on the border between Umbria and Tuscany, is surrounded by a lush landscape and a large, hilly valley. Medieval and renaissance buildings as well as impressive Romanesque-Gothic churches such as San Francesco and Sant'Agostino make up this historic area. Wander along narrow, cobbled streets where you can explore shops, bars and cafes, plus discover the eclectic local cuisine which is inspired by farm produce and wines.

Dive into history – and the spa's large indoor swimming pool, which is set in an ancient Roman cistern where you can still view the brick vaults. With two Jacuzzi beds, changing rooms, massage and treatment areas, a relaxation area, plus an ice waterfall and sauna, you will be recharged and rejuvenated in a relaxing and fully renovated space. Cool down in the outdoor courtyard's plunge pool, where you can soak up the sun in Italy's most serene spot, and try Specialty Comfort Zone products which will ensure you are properly pampered!

Enjoy everything from homemade pastries to small plates as well as coffee drinks and sparkling wines in the Gli Affreschi Bar which boasts 17^th century paintings. The richly restored frescos depicting battle scenes serve as reminders of the hotel's historic past.

Be captivated by the beauty of Cortona with guided excursions to the Museum of the Etruscan Academy and Cortona Diocesan Museum, home of The Annunciation by Fra Angelico. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, famously known as the Duomo, as well as the Basilica of Santa Margherita and Girifalco Fortress are also must-see spots. No trip to Tuscany would be complete without a visit to the area's well-known wine cellars and fashion districts, or a tour of Val D'Orcia, where you will be charmed with rolling hills and scenic landscapes. You'll be saying ciao bell at Chianti Classico, which is comprised of vineyards as well as medieval Italian villages such as Radda and Castellina and San Gimignano with its 14 towers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Just can't get enough of rich Italian food and history at this one-of-a-kind property in the heart of Cortona? Become a member of the hotel's club program which features exclusive rates and experiences, plus upgrades and spa credits, and you can keep coming back to make your own traditions at this hotel which will take you back in time. With modern amenities both in your room and throughout the hotel, you will experience the most memorable stay of your life in this former monastery. Whether you want to relax by the pool or explore the surrounding areas, checking into the Monastero di Cortona is as close as you can come to a religious experience!

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