Discover Palazzo Passerini

by Lulu Townsend

The medieval hilltop town of Cortona in Tuscany has its fair share of handsome palazzi, yet Palazzo Passerini is the only private residence at this level of luxury. This 16th-century townhouse sits on a quiet street a few minutes from Piazza della Repubblica, sheltered from the bustle but close enough to feel part of Cortona’s daily life. Step inside and the space reveals itself. High ceilings. Wide rooms. A layout that flows naturally for a group of friends or a family of six. The two marble bathrooms feel indulgent, each with a bath and a shower, Frette bathrobes and Wildsmith body products. The salon brings everyone together with deep sofas, fresh flowers, an honesty bar and an open fire for slower, cosy evenings. Open the window, and the countryside stretches away across the rooftops in soft folds of green and gold.

Staying here changes the shape of a traditional Tuscan trip. Palazzo Passerini sleeps up to six, giving you the ease of a private home with the finish you expect from a luxury boutique hotel in Italy. Air conditioning keeps the rooms cool in high summer. Stone walls and open fires keep everything warm through the winter. The bespoke handmade kitchen, fitted with Smeg appliances, suits long mornings or a late supper gathered around local wine and produce from the market a few steps away. A private chef can be arranged, although many prefer to cook for themselves after a day exploring.

Cortona itself holds much of the charm, layered in years of Etruscan and Renaissance history. Mornings start with coffee and cornetti from Bar Signorelli or Vannelli’s pasticceria in Camucia. Independent shops and galleries sit along narrow streets that twist upward to more expansive views. Keep climbing and the Val di Chiana opens out in a sweep of vineyards and hills. From Palazzo Passerini, everything is within easy walking distance, including the town’s tennis club and swimming pool. Anything and everything can be arranged for you during your stay from cooking courses, wine tastings, hot air ballooning, olive oil harvesting and year-round truffle hunting.

The wider region is effortless from here. Montepulciano and Pienza are close. Arezzo is perfect for a slow half-day wander, especially on the first weekend of the month when the antiques fair takes place. Long lunches at nearby wineries often turn into something more leisurely. Returning to the townhouse at the end of the day feels like closing the door on your own Tuscan chapter.

For travellers who want a more profound sense of place, and who want to live like a local, Palazzo Passerini stands head and shoulders above the rest. Private and Luxurious. Air conditioned. Stylish without theatrics. A polished base in one of Italy’s most engaging hilltop towns. Rates from €795 for the entire palazzo. Enjoy an exclusive 10% off all bookings until the end of March – mention The Luxury Report.

Further information – www.palazzopasserini.com