Cortona to Chianti Region: Private day trip

Dominating a hilltop in the rich Tuscan lowlands, this walled city was built by the Sienese at the beginning of the 13th century to defend the Cassia Road, and the cities of the Val d’Elsa and Staggia. Today, the walls are still in almost their original condition, the only changes being when the towers were lowered in the 16th century, and in 1921, 3 of the towers were lowered to the same level as the walls. Today, visitors are still able to walk the walls, and a combined ticket includes access to the interactive Armoury museum. The Romea Gate opens up into the main Piazza di Roma, which was originally used as a large vegetable garden that provided food when the town came under siege. Facing the square is the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which is as old as the town itself.