Farm holiday Siena Farm holiday Tuscany Farm holiday Italy

The Fortezza de' Cortesi is found between Florence and Siena on a part of the old pilgrim route of the Via Francigena.  Standing on top of a hill, with a surrounding view of the spectacular Tuscan countryside, it overlooks the famous towers of San Gimignano, only 5 kilometres away.  This is where history, art and culture join together with the beauty of colours and rhythm of nature.  A haven of charm, the country resort has been awarded the agriturismo top classification of three wheat sheaves.

The building is derived from an old castle, probably an original Etruscan site, documented from 10th century sources.  A centre of cultural and political events, it was here in 1220 the towns of San Gimignano and Colle val d?Elsa formed an alliance.  It achieved its splendour in the Renaissance when the then proprietor, Paolo Cortesi, one of the most prominent humanists and secretary to Pope Julius II, made his own home and dining hall with the name Cortesio Castle.  Here he was host to students and made time to write and have printed the famous book de Cardinalatu, of which only 8 copies exist in the world.

Following rigorous restoration that maintains intact all the fascination of antiquity, we have created an environment of 500 square metres rich in charm and precious in its uniqueness.  We offer up to 12 guests the opportunity of a holiday of luxury and self-regeneration, far from the frenzy of stress, in five elegant double bedrooms and a suite in the medieval tower with superb bedroom and private drawing room with fireplace.  Bedroom windows look out to the magnificent profile of San Gimignano marching across the horizon and the typically Tuscan countryside with hills covered by cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves. Each room is individually furnished with precious textiles by the renowned stylist Rubelli, genuine antique furniture and family objects.  All have air conditioning, a safe and a personalised private bathroom supplied with hair drier.  The common areas contain old fireplaces, some of them vaulted, medieval stairs, exposed beams and hand made terra cotta floors - giving the sensation that time has stopped still.

Outside one can relax in the garden under the gazebo accompanied only by the sound of cicadas and the hoarse cry of pheasants, surrounded by the colours and scents of flowers and spices that inebriate the senses of sight and smell.  Lower down within an olive grove and the wood, the swimming pool with sun beds offers pleasing relaxing moments and a pergola with curtains to protect one from sun rays in the hottest hours, guaranteeing rest in absolute privacy.  Ample parking is available for guests.

The type of board offered is overnight bed and breakfast with both sweet and savoury choices.  It is also possible to rent the whole villa weekly from Saturday to Saturday for self-catering  with optional breakfast and dinner service.  We can also provide guided tours, cooking courses, medieval or Renaissance artistic techniques, talks or lectures on Italian art accompanied by contemporary background music and other services.  Riding, golf and tennis are available nearby.

Our home farm produces extra virgin olive oil, aromatic herbs, cereals and the purest (DOC) San Gimignano saffron, of world class quality.  We follow the system of local sourcing and supply our home-grown produce to our own Dulcisinfundo restaurant situated in the centre of San Gimignano.

You will find the Fortezza de' Cortesi an enchanting and charming dwelling dedicated to those wanting an exclusive holiday returning to ?chill out?  in total relaxation after a day out visiting the most enchanting sites of Tuscan art and culture, whether Florence, Siena, Certaldo, Volterra, Pisa, Lucca or Montalcino.