This was the house of two very famous people: in the 1200's it was the house of Santa Margherita (the Patron Saint of Cortona) and her son and beloved dog ( she can be visited in the Sanctuary at the top of the city where she rests for all to see in her glass coffin). And in the middle 19oo's the famous Professor Charles van Doren who was mixed up in the largest quiz scandal ever to shake American television. He was also the author of a three volume novel about the life of medieval life in Cortona. Completely Renovated the town-house has upstairs air conditioning, washer & drier, gas heat, wi-fi, 2 Flat screen smart tv's with dish, Marble Bathrooms, with two entrances- one on main street and one on lower level to a Calle, with little picnic table. A new kitchen with full size refrigerator and new gourmet stove. Lower level has floor heating. Inside the ancient walls of Cortona, just steps away from fine dining, elegant shops and wonderful Cultural Events. Perhaps best known these days as the setting for the book and movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” (written by Frances Mayes), gorgeous hillside Cortona has a long history dating back even before it's time as an important Etruscan center. Top attractions include the Duomo (Cathedral), the small Museo Diocesano across the piazza with its superb art collection, and the fascinating Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca with its assembly of Etruscan and Roman era items. Cortona is also bursting with splendid churches spanning many periods. San Nicolo has two marvelous paintings of Luca Signorelli, one of the great Renaissance painters who is also a son of this town. The small opera house houses concerts throughout the summer and in the weekends will convert into a cinema. The town house is unique as it is spread throughout three floors. First floor (Lower Level) houses bedroom, separate bath with shower and separate laundry room. Here is also the entrance to the cute little ally with a patio behind the home. The main level that has the main entrance onto the street via Moneti. It has a living area , a new kitchen, fireplace, eating area and reading nook. The top floor is the master suite consisting of a king size bed and beautiful new marble bath with skylight. Spectacular views of the Chiana valley.