Cortona

Perched on a hill that dominates the entire Valdichiana all the way to the mirror-like shores of Lake Trasimeno, Cortona is a living monument in pietra serena. Walking through its steep streets means crossing three thousand years of history, where the imposing Etruscan walls serve as foundations for Renaissance palaces and medieval alleys with a timeless atmosphere.

Art and Culture

The journey into the heart of Cortona begins in Piazza della Repubblica, dominated by the thirteenth-century Palazzo Comunale with its famous monumental stone staircase. From here, just a few steps away, opens Piazza Signorelli, home to the MAEC, the Museum of the Etruscan Academy and of the City of Cortona. This museum, unique of its kind, houses priceless treasures such as the famous fifth-century BC bronze Etruscan Lamp and the Tabula Cortonensis. Do not miss the Diocesan Museum, located opposite the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, to admire up close the splendor of the Annunciation by Fra Angelico and the cultural celebrations dedicated to Gino Severini.

Nature and Outdoor

To breathe in the green soul of Cortona, take the public promenade of the Parterre, a flat tree-lined avenue opening onto a boundless view of the valley. From here, the more adventurous can climb the slopes leading to the monumental Fortezza del Girifalco, a Medici military structure that today houses exhibition spaces and is surrounded by an olive grove park, ideal for a sunset picnic. Trekking lovers, on the other hand, can set off along the Sentiero dei Principes Etruschi, a scenic detour that combines archaeology, nature and ancient memories.

Food and Wine

The agricultural landscape of Cortona is marked by historic vineyards. The ideal place for lovers of good wine is the historic wineries and vineyards of the DOC Cortona, where the international grape variety Syrah has found clay soil and a perfect microclimate to express itself with spicy, enveloping and unforgettable notes. In the town's taverns, this wine divinely accompanies pici all'aglione and cuts of Chianina beef.

Sport and Adventure

The territory offers unique routes for lovers of active tourism. The ideal starting point for archaeological trekking enthusiasts is the Parco Archeologico del Sodo, where one can explore the monumental Etruscan Tumuli, known locally as the Meloni, imposing funerary structures immersed in the fields. For those who prefer guided excursions, the hill trails offer the opportunity to experience rides on horseback between the woods and vineyards of the territory.

Religious Routes and Hermitages

Climbing to the summit of the hill, you reach the quintessential Marian sanctuary: the Basilica of Santa Margherita, which houses the incorrupt body of the Patron Saint, a place of deep devotion offering a panoramic view over the entire valley. Descending the opposite side of the mountain, hidden in a narrow and silent wooded gorge, stands the Franciscan Hermitage of Le Celle, the first convent founded by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1211, where the murmur of the streams and the rough stone architecture invite the purest meditation.