Did you know that behind some of the most famous monuments of the French Renaissance lies the hand of a genius born in Cortona?

In this new episode of Cortona: City of Hidden Treasures, we start from a quiet little alleyway in the historic center to uncover the incredible story of Domenico Bernabei da Cortona, nicknamed "Il Boccadoro".

Together with a special guest, Pierre Gramegna, we trace the life of this talented woodcarver and architect who moved to France in the 16th century. He went on to become the trusted architect for no fewer than three French kings, including Francis I.

Boccadoro worked on immortal masterpieces like the Châteaux of the Loire Valley, including Chambord, and designed the imposing Hôtel de Ville, Paris City Hall!

Unfortunately, as the saying goes, "No one is a prophet in their own land." While Paris dedicated a major street to him just a stone's throw from the Champs-Élysées, Rue du Boccador, in Cortona, his name is remembered only by a small plaque in a hidden alley.