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Cortona
Cortona, a fortress of Etruscan origin, stands on a hill in the fantastic lanscape of the Val di Chiana. Piazza della Repubblica is Cortona’s main square, flanked by an imposing stone building with a wide staircase: the Palazzo Comunale. Opposite the town hall is a stone building with a balcony and an attached loggia, known as the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, a prestigious residence dating back to the 1300s and now instead housing a restaurant with evocative historical charm
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Cortona, a fortress of Etruscan origin, stands on a hill in the fantastic scenery of the Val di Chiana. Piazza della Repubblica is Cortona’s main square, flanked by an imposing stone building with a wide staircase: the Palazzo Comunale. Opposite the town hall is a stone building with a balcony and an attached loggia, known as the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, a prestigious residence dating back to the 1300s and instead now home to a restaurant with evocative historical charm.
Also worth seeing is the Cathedral of Cortona, whose current structure was built on the remains of an ancient Roman temple from the 15th century. The Basilica di Santa Margherita, is named after St. Margaret, the patron saint of Cortona, who lived in this lovely place, dedicated her life to the church and also founded a hospital at the church of St. Basil. After her death, the country decided to build a church dedicated to her where her remains are still preserved today. Among the museums we must mention the Museo Diocesano, which houses a collection of treasures from Tuscan churches in the area ranging from the 13th century to the 19th century, and the MAEC – Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca, established in 1727 and dedicated entirely to the Etruscan civilization that dominated this area centuries ago. Last but not least is the Fortress of Girifalco. The earliest historical sources describing Rocca date back to 1258. In 1411 the fortress was sold to the Florentine Republic, which began its renovation in 1527. Starting in 1556 and at the behest of Cosimo I de’ Medici, the four bastions and the ravelin were built, and during the 1500s, the introduction of artillery made it necessary to gradually replace the medieval walls with bastioned fronts designed for defense. However, the fortress was never used in war, and in 1766, it was disarmed and given to the Community of Cortona, which used it as a town jail. During World War II, it eventually became a refuge for numerous daughters of Italians abroad and a strategic post for both German and Allied soldiers.
Historical events
Copper, flower and earthenware fair On May 1 is held, the traditional copper, flower and earthenware fair characterized by numerous exhibitors, both local and from various Italian regions, displaying copper objects worked through their creativity, industriousness and professionalism. The streets of the Center will be transformed into a cozy garden full of flowers and ornamental plants. Giostra dell'Archidado The Giostra dell'Archidado traces its origins back to the Middle Ages, but it has been since 1994 that Cortona's quintieri have challenged each other with crossbows, re-enacting the celebrations that took place for the wedding of Francesco Casali and Antonia Salimbeni. Week full of events, expected not only by locals but also by the many tourists. Steak Festival The Cortona Steak Festival is one of the most important events of Cortona gastronomy which is held every year at the public gardens. Porcino Festival The Porcino Mushroom Festival is held in Cortona every year in August at the Public Gardens and on this occasion mushrooms become the protagonists of every dish, from appetizers to side dishes.
How to get to Cortona
Cortona is 40 km from Chianciano Terme and can be reached either by car, with extra-urban bus connections available on weekdays and finally it is also possible to get there with the service offered by the Valdichiana Gran Tour active, however, only in summer.