Cortona and its surroundings

Villa Passerini, a magnificent historic residence, the ideal location for receptions, wedding banquets, celebrations of special events lies at a short distance from the center of Cortona. This antique city and its high walls that go back to Etruscan times, is situated at 494 m above sea-level. Just as many other small towns in the hilly region of Tuscany, it still looks like a typical medieval village.There is a charming atmosphere emanating from its narrow and tortuous streets. Worth visiting are the MAEC, the Etruscan Academy Museum, the Diocesan Museum with a beautiful "Annunciation" by Beato Angelico, the Palace of the Republic, the Sanctuary of Santa Margherita, the church and the quiet, mystical hermitage of the Celle. Many events and cultural manifestations are organized throughout the year. Among these the Tuscan Sun Festival, the Cortona Antiques Fair and a Joust called “Archidado” are worth mentionning.

Cortona is not only a city of great historical and artistic interest, it enjoys also a favorable geographical position, which makes it easily accessible from all major citys of culture: Florence, Siena, Perugia and from the numerous medieval villages and towns immersed in the beautiful landscapes that characterize the Tuscan land. Organizing a wedding reception or a fantastic celebration for an anniversary or a birthday in our villa is easy, even if relatives and friends travel from neighboring areas or from abroad. At Villa Passerini celebrations can be held at any time of the year thanks to the two magnificent indoor facilities set in beautiful gardens. For a complete success you can rely on the competence and the professionalism of our Catering, Banqueting and Wedding Planner services.

Here is a short list of a few of the many interesting small and larger towns that are at a short distance from Villa Passerini:

Castiglione del Lago
Not far from Cortona, easily accessible from Villa Passerini, the countryside is charming with its olive groves and its vineyards set on the soft slopes of the Tuscan hillside and its medieval towns, antique homes and towers belonging to old castles. One of those lovely towns is Castiglione del Lago, on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, that in summer hosts many artistic and musical events. The completely frescoed palazzo Della Corgna is worth visiting, just as is the medieval fortress with its 30 meters high dungeon.

Cortona city of art - "Le Celle"

Passignano sul Trasimeno
Tuoro and Passignano are two small typical lakeside towns. From here it is possible to make an excursion by boat to the main island of lake Trasimeno. Monuments and historic homes worth visiting are: the Romanesque church of San Salvatore, the church of St. Michael Archangel and Villa Isabella of the marquis Guglielmi. At a 10 kms distance, in the small village of Castel Rigone, you'll find one of the most representative buildings of the entire Renaissance in Umbria: the church of Our Lady of Miracles.

Pienza
From Villa Passerini, moving in the direction of Siena, in addition to the widely known capital of the Province, you will come across medieval villages and a picturesque landscape.
Pienza in the Val d'Orcia, is a charming small town typical of the 15th century.
In the town center and the square dedicated to Pope Pius II, the cathedral and Palazzo Piccolomini, visitors are confronted with impressive Renaissance art.
Among the famous and delicious gastronomic products typical of this area is the pecorino cheese, covered with ash and walnut leaves.

Montalcino
Close to Pienza, on top of a hill, stands the town of Montalcino, famous throughout the world for its fine wines, especially for its Brunello di Montalcino.The main monuments are the Civic and Diocesan Museum, which houses a beautiful wooden crucifix of the Sienese school, and the Town Hall built in the XIIIth and the XIVth century.

Villa Passerini can also be reached easily from:
Montepulciano, Chianciano, Lucignano…..
These informations for you and for your guests are only a short list of the many attractive and representative villages that characterize this beautiful area. They are only a starting point, a small appetizer to anticipate a truely satisfying visit.

And ... at the closing of the curtain
at the successful conclusion of the reception,
whether you were the protagonists of a party unique and unforgettable,
whether you were guests and witnesses of a special event,
you'll be grateful to this magical place,
that, thanks to the warm natural setting,
of this dream location
and an atmosphere suggestive, evocative and fascinating,
has transformed short happy moments
into a long, exciting, memorable day.