Cortona

Cortona is a small, charming Etruscan village perched on top of a hill. Its elevated position offers sweeping views across the Val di Chiana and Trasimeno Lake.

The historic centre of the town is enclosed by ancient Etruscan walls. Walking through the narrow cobbled streets, you can breathe in Cortona's rich past, evidenced by the ancient buildings, picturesque squares and Romanesque churches that still retain their splendour today.

Piazza della Repubblica, characterised by the spectacular stone staircase of the Palazzo Comunale, is the heart of the small village and stands where the Roman forum was once located. Always a crossroads of the main streets of the town, today it is the place where locals and tourists meet to spend time chatting at café tables or taking postcard photos.

Just outside the main square, you can admire the Church of Santa Maria Nuova. Not far away, you will find Cortona Cathedral, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Basilica of Santa Margherita.

Cortona is also a treasure trove of art, culture and entertainment. The city offers several interesting museums to visit, such as the Museum of the Etruscan Academy and the City of Cortona, the MAEC, dedicated to Etruscan art, and the Diocesan Museum.

There are many events that enliven the city and make it a lively and exciting stage. One of the most important is Cortona On The Move, a cutting-edge photography festival that takes place during the summer.

Finally, Cortona was the location for several scenes in famous films such as Roberto Benigni's La vita è bella in 1997 and Audrey Wells' Under the Tuscan Sun in 2003.