At the highest point of one of the world’s most fascinating Etruscan cities, Cortona, a 15th-century monastery complex has been transformed into a 5-star boutique hotel, a secret address where the ancient cells, the spa created in a Roman cistern, and the haute cuisine featuring game dishes reflect the authentic soul of the area.

Cortona: a thousand-year history suspended in time

Perched on the hills overlooking the Valdichiana, Cortona is one of the most ancient cradles of Italic civilization. Legend has it that it was founded by Dardanus, ancestor of the Trojans, but Etruscan history dominates its soul: mighty megalithic walls still encircle the medieval center, home to Renaissance masterpieces that gave birth to masters such as Luca Signorelli and Pietro da Cortona.

Built at the highest point of Cortona, the Monastery occupies a place steeped in history. Known since Roman times for its abundant waters – a large cistern called “Bagno di Bacco” once stood here – this place has been a sanctuary for centuries.

The Monastery: From Cistercian Monks to 5-Star Hospitality

Built in the 1400s on the highest point of the city, the only luxury structure in the historic center, the Monastery occupies a place steeped in spirituality and memory. The original structure began as a refuge for the Confraternity of San Rocco, later becoming home to the Dominican Monks, the Servants of Mary, and finally the Cistercian Monks, who established a renowned college there.

Today, thanks to a skillful philological restoration by architect Enrico Lavagnino, the ancient monastic complex was reborn in 2019 as the Monastero di Cortona Hotel & SPA: an elegant 5-star boutique hotel managed by the Poli family and part of the Cronos Retreats collection.

Its 36 rooms and suites were partially converted from the ancient monks’ cells, creating a haven where exposed beams, warm tones, and contemporary elegance coexist in perfect harmony with the centuries-old architecture.

The Bagno di Bacco SPA: wellness in a Roman cistern

The hidden heart of relaxation lies within the Monastery: the Bagno di Bacco SPA, a sanctuary of wellness expertly created within the original Roman cistern, offers guests a unique regenerating experience, enhanced by panoramic views spanning the entire Valdichiana.

What was once the friars’ garden is now a wonderful panoramic terrace with a swimming pool and solarium.

Tuscan flavors between signature fine dining and a traditional osteria

The Monastero has consolidated its identity as a true gourmet destination thanks to its fine dining restaurant, Gli Affreschi. Its rooms take their names from the wall decorations that were uncovered during restoration, historical paintings that several scholars believe may evoke episodes from the historic Battle of Montaperti in 1260.

Since 2023, the kitchen has been led by chef Michele Ricci, who trained in the brigade of maestro Gualtiero Marchesi at just 18 years old and furthered his skills alongside outstanding chefs such as Luigi Sartini and Paolo Lopriore.

Its culinary offerings are a contemporary, essential, and profound expression of the Tuscan region, where game takes center stage in dishes such as the slow-cooked roe deer with savory zabaglione, marinated turnips, and puffed farro; the 40-yolk buttons with pheasant, sea urchin, and licorice, a surprising blend of land and sea; and the venison fillet with Jerusalem artichokes, baby spinach, and Sabatini Gin sauce.

For those seeking a more informal experience, the resort also offers L’Osteria del Santo, perfect for rediscovering pure Tuscan tradition. Completing the culinary offerings is a wine cellar with over 300 labels ranging from Cortona to Montalcino and Bolgheri.

The experience continues in the intimate atmosphere of the Scriptorium Bar, led by bartender Claudio Stagi. Here the mixology celebrates the territory with signature cocktails such as Il Giardino di Cortona: a reinterpretation of the Negroni made with Gin Sabatini, produced with 9 Cortona botanicals from Villa Ugo, Vermouth Papacello, homage to the Renaissance painter Tommaso d’Arcangelo Bernabei, and Amaro Cortona, rich in balsamic notes of olive tree, juniper, thyme and rosemary.

A mystical place, where you can savor all the charm of the most secret Tuscany.

The secret

During the restoration of the Roman cistern – now home to the SPA -, archaeologists discovered ancient water conduits that the Cistercian monks used not only for water conservation, but also for the secret production of herbal elixirs and medicinal infusions. Today those same botanical essences of thyme, juniper and olive leaves are reused both in the SPA treatments and in the alchemical infusions of the Scriptorium Bar cocktails.

Useful Info

Monastero di Cortona
Via del Salvatore
52044 Cortona, Arezzo
Tel. +39 0575 1785839

Rooms: from €350 with breakfast
Gli Affreschi Restaurant: tasting menu from €95, drinks not included
Cocktail Bar: signature drink from €18