Arezzo and Cortona: a journey through the Tuscan lands through history, art and flavours

Uone of the most beautiful itineraries in Tuscanywhere you can still feel the glorious history of the Etruscans and where many famous people wanted to leave their testimonies, is certainly Arezzo And Cortona. Arezzo in 500 BC was already one of the powerful twelve Etruscan lucumoniesCortona was already aimportant center for archaeological research With the’Academy Etruscan and the Etruscan Museumboth founded in 1728 and even acclaimed by illustrious supporters such as Voltaire And Montesquieu. Arezzo is known as city ​​of goldbut she’s also gorgeous art Cityrich in history and masterpieces left there by the numerous characters who were born or lived here Giorgio Vasari, Francesco Petrarca or Piero della Francesca and a detail that few people know about Michelangelo Buonarroti And Roberto Benigni.

Piazza Grande in Arezzo

Also Dante Alighieri he is so fascinated by tournaments and jousts of Arezzo who mentions them at the beginning of XXII canto of Hell, in some famous tercets: «I have already seen knights move the field, and begin to flock to make their show, and sometimes leave to escape them; I saw runners through your land, O Aretini, and I saw Gualdane running, fighting tournaments and running jousts; sometimes with trumpets, and sometimes with bells, with drums and with castle signals, and with local and foreign things;» (Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy – Inferno, Canto XXII, 1-9). Leonardo da Vinci paid homage by drawing his territory, Bridge in Burianoin the Mona Lisa.

To guide us through the Chinati un territory insider exceptional: Federico Minghinicknamed “Ambassador from the Tuscany”, already a popularizer of Tuscany on TV and on Panorama and founder of the platform in 2020 Tuscany My Love.

Cortona and Arezzo: between history, flavors and Tuscan beauty

Cortona it’s a picturesque town built on a hill about 500 meters high and is located between Arezzo and the Lake Trasimenofrom the town it is visible both the Val di Chiana than the lake, we are in fact a stone’s throw from the Tuscan border with Umbria. Cortona is a place steeped in history, charm and emotions: excellent wine is produced here Syrahthe Renaissance painter was born here Luca Signorelli and the famous book and film is set “Under the Tuscan sun”.

The Val di Chiana in Tuscany

Cortona is one of the places where tangible traces of the Etruscan culturethis is demonstrated by the presence – still today – of 3 km of walls dating back to the 5th century BCof innumerable noble tombs and other finds of valuable workmanship. In Cortona the Tabula Cortonensis, a bronze plate with one of the longest inscriptions in the Etruscan language. His name in Etruscan was Curtun, as found in a bronze votive inscription from the 3rd century. ac found right in the city. If then this territory rich in stories and characters also gives us one tasty cuisine the trip becomes memorable.

Piazza della Repubblica in Cortona

In fact, in Val di Chiana we find the famous meat Chianina which in these areas they interpret with a historic dish: la steak with anchovy then i pici with garlic from Val di Chiana or alla nanai grifiThe roasted rabbitThe peppery, the excellent peeled cheese and finally with the Arezzo cat. A curiosity: the famous Vermouth from Turin That he invented Antonio Benedetto Carpano in 1786 in reality took inspiration from the Tuscan recipe which Baron Albergotti wrote by hand in 1730.

Theater tavern

In the heart of Cortona, a culinary jewel is hidden: theTavern of the Theatrewhere history, taste and refinement come together in a special food and wine experience with dishes such as “Scrigno di Chianina with Mediterranean aromas and pinzimonio”, an explosion of flavors and textures that anticipates the sensorial experience that will follow. Crossing the threshold of this place means immersing yourself in a journey through the centurieswhere each environment tells a thousand-year-old story, fromatmosphere enveloping from the old tavern with discreet luxury of the worldly living room, up to the room embellished by frescoes from the sixteenth century and to the highly coveted terrace surrounded by flowers and perfumes.

Federico Minghi at the Osteria del Teatro

1/5

Federico Minghi has lunch at the Osteria del Teatro

2/5

Federico Minghi and the wine of Osteria del Teatro

3/5

Federico Minghi and the stinging nettle sweets of the Osteria del Teatro

4/5

Federico Minghi and the lamb morsels from the Osteria del Teatro

5/5

Previous

Next

Among the delicacies offered, “Stinging nettle sweets with rabbit tuna and flavored baby carrots” they are a first course that combines traditional flavors and creativity in a perfect balance, offering a taste of the variety of tastes and aromas that characterize the Osteria’s cuisine. Also deliciousLamb chops in fricassee and Florentine artichoke with mint”, with strong flavours. To conclude on a sweet note, the “Strawberry tart with mint sauce and lemon curd foam“ a dessert that enchants the palate with the freshness of seasonal fruits and the delicacy of flavors, closes the meal in a sublime way.

Each bite is a journey into the flavors of ancient Tuscany, accompanied by a selection of fine wines which enhance and complete the experience. In this unique place, the time seems to slow downoffering aexperience suspended between past and presentwhere taste becomes an authentic celebration of the culture and soul of Cortona.

Theater tavern | Via Giuseppe Maffei 2 | 52044 Cortona (Ar) | Tel 0575 630556

The Ancient Hunting Lodge

Not far away we find the majestic one Villa di Piazzano. Originally conceived as a hunting manor for the Cardinal Silvio Passeriniis a jewel steeped in history and ties to the renowned Medici family. Located near the charming city of Cortona, within a protected natural reserve, this residence has witnessed centuries of events and events. Its elevated position gives away breathtaking views on a Tuscan landscape of extraordinary beauty, creating a serene and unforgettable atmosphere.

Inside we find the restaurantThe Ancient Hunting Lodge‘, where the chef presents a unique culinary perspective that celebrates the Tuscan traditions enriched by his personal experiencewhich we find in his typical fish dishes Sardinia native. This culinary approach harmoniously blends the robust flavors of Tuscany with the delicate notes of seafood, using local, sustainable ingredients. Each dish is a tribute to regional authenticity, making the culinary experience a journey through local traditions.

In the evocative setting of Lounge Bar ‘Ai Lecci‘, nestled under the centuries-old oaks, guests can enjoy moments of relaxation and socialization, admiring the sunset against the backdrop of the picturesque town of Cortona. The bar menu offers a selection of in-house creations and traditional cocktailsthus completing the sensorial experience of visitors. Among the dishes stand out: “Tortelli stuffed with three sweet and sour roasts”whose flavor goes perfectly with savory butter and Tuscan pecorino, “Veal cheek braised in Cortona syrah”which enchants with its combination of tastes and aromas, and finally “The Rocciata di Piazzano”a dessert that delights with its combination of puff pastry, cocoa biscuit and a mixture of dried fruit and local spices.

The ancient hunting lodge | Location Piazzano 7 | 06069 Tuoro sul Trasimeno (Pg) | Tel 0575 174 3048

Black Peel

The last stop on this journey is Black Peelgem ofwine tourism and of thehospitality rural. Managed with love and dedication by the family, the company extends over 40 hectares of organic vineyardsmainly sangiovesesome of which boast over 45 years of history. There modern cellara mix of steel, wood and concrete, is the beating heart of production, where they combine technology and tradition to create organic wines with a unique character, with few sulphites and great enjoyment. The range includes young and flowing wines, such as Chianti of excellence, but also fine oils and a line of natural cosmetics, part of the project Ripariawhich embraces the idea of circular economy and sustainability. Not least, the vinsantaiaguardian of great traditions.

Federico Minghi at the Buccia Nera Company

1/4

Federico Minghi tastes the oil of the Buccia Nera company

2/4

Federico Minghi tastes the wine of the Buccia Nera company

3/4

Federico Minghi in the garden of the Buccia Nera company

4/4

Previous

Next

In this idyllic setting, an agriturismo extends, offering five independent apartments, immersing yourself in the charm of the Tuscan countryside and inviting guests to explore not only the flavors of the wines, but also local traditions and sustainable agricultural practices. The guided tastings complete the experience, allowing guests to discover the secrets of production. With one eye on the past and one on the future, the company is committed to promoting responsible and conscious tourism, where the well-being of nature and people is at the center of everything.

Black Peel | Località Campriano 10 | 52100 Arezzo | Tel 0575 1696461

In conclusion, a day spent among the wonders of Arezzo and Cortona is an experience that embraces the best that Tuscany has to offer: thousand-year-old history, breathtaking landscapes and local culinary tradition. It is a journey through unique eras and flavours, as strong as this land!