Date: July 16, 2024
Location: Between Cortona and Castiglion Fiorentino
Blogger: Audrey Upham ‘28
Hometown: Ozona, Texas
Ciaowdy!
This morning began with an early breakfast and a farewell to the beautiful town of Assisi, which we’ve all come to love these past four days. Now, onto another adventure!
We departed via bus to Cortana, leaving the region of Umbria for the Tuscan countryside. There, we met our guide and proceeded to the local archeological site. We walked among the excavation sites and saw the newly discovered tombs of affluent families of the region. It was a sunny day, the blue sky stretching into infinity without a cloud to be seen.
As our guide told us the storied history of Cortana, we descended a small flight of stairs to enter an ancient burial site, now cleared for public entrance. The dark tunnel opened into a small underground chamber with four rooms stemming from the main corridor. Each room once held a body and other relics. We marveled at the unique architectural style of the arches, then returned to the bus.
From there, we drove on the narrow and winding roads to the Basilica of St. Margaret. We took a brief tour of the church and its contents, discussing its cultural and historical significance, then admired the hilltop view from outside. As we regrouped at the lookout area and took pictures, our guide explained the sights. Then we made our way down the hill, through the city to the main square.
Along the way we admired the small-town scenery, very similar to Assisi. Our guide pointed out an off-the-beaten-path entrance to the city’s underground tunnels, built by the Romans.
When we reached the piazza, or central square, we split for lunch with plans to regroup in a hour and a half to enter the Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca. The museum displays the long and proud history of the Etruscan region and culture. With our guide, we explored the many artifacts housed in the four-story building, ranging from Greek vases to Roman coins to Egyptian-style sarcophagi. Many grave goods from the Archeological Park were on display as well, giving insight to the lifestyles and burial traditions of the Etruscan society.
As we exited the museum, we crossed the piazza to a gelato shop, where the university treated us to large cones. Every flavor combination looked amazing, especially in the hot weather. I had one scoop each of strawberry, Nutella, and cookies & cream, and it was perfect.
After gelato, we said goodbye to our guide and continued on via bus to Castiglion Fiorentino, where we will be spending the next three days exploring the local culture.
Arrivederci!
Audrey Upham ‘28
Date: July 16, 2024
Location: Castiglion Fiorentino
Blogger: Cate Douglas ‘28
Hometown: Hebbronville, Texas
Ciaowdy from Castiglion Fiorentino!
This morning started with our final breakfast in Assisi where I took advantage of the free coffee machine with a cappuccino and three shots of espresso (I know what you’re thinking, seems like a lot but it’s honestly not enough).
Then we made our way to Cortona, where we got the grand tour by our lovely tour guide/comedian, Giovanni. He took us to beautiful churches such as the Basilica of Saint Margaret and the Church of Saint Nicholas among others. We broke off for lunch where I had the best meal yet; Ravioli al Tartufo or truffle-filled ravioli. Following lunch, we went to a few shops hosting a variety of goods from leather bags to silk scarves. After our successful shopping trip, we met back up with Giovanni at the Museum of the Etruscan Academy.
We ended our day with gelato in Cortona’s piazza in true Italian fashion. Yesterday Will Wynn discussed the Italian practice of passeggiata, where one sits in the piazza and observes everyone walking by and then takes their stroll around so they can, in turn, be observed. This practice allows everyone to get to know their community on a deeper level and actively pay attention to their surroundings.
Next, we got back on the bus where students napped, took in the rolling hills of Tuscany, or talked to friends. We also had the blessing of live music from the boys in the back of the bus, serenading Dr. Nic Bradley.
Upon arrival in Castiglion Fiorentino, we raced to the laundromat to claim a washer and eventually figured out the Italian instructions. As we wrap up our first week together, we reflect on places visited, friendships made, and countless inside jokes cracked.
A presto,
Cate Douglas ‘28