Under the Tuscan Sun: the Tuscany of Cortona

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) made millions of travellers dream with its golden Tuscany — and it’s based on a true story. The film is inspired by the 1996 memoir of the same name by American writer Frances Mayes, who really bought and restored an abandoned villa in Cortona, naming it “Bramasole” (“yearning for the sun”). The book stayed near the top of the New York Times bestseller list for over two years. In the film, the protagonist Frances (Diane Lane) retraces the same path: buying a house in Cortona, a splendid town in the province of Arezzo, and rediscovering herself among hills, wine and genuine cooking.

The Cortona of the film

Cortona is an Etruscan gem overlooking the Val di Chiana: steep alleys, medieval squares and endless views over the vineyards. The film’s villa, “Bramasole”, has become a small place of pilgrimage.

The flavours of Tuscany

Tuscan cuisine is honest and memorable. Not to be missed:

• The bistecca alla fiorentina, thick and rare;
• Pici, the hand-rolled local pasta, with ragù or cacio e pepe;
• Ribollita and pappa al pomodoro;
• The great red wines (Chianti, Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello) and the extra-virgin olive oil.

An itinerary between hills and wineries

Cortona is the ideal base for a slow itinerary through villages (Montepulciano, Pienza), wineries and farmhouses. The film’s slow pace is truly in the air.

In short

Under the Tuscan Sun is Tuscany as we dream it: sun, wine and rebirth. Cortona is the perfect starting point for a tasty journey. Discover the other films and their food locations.