Discover Cortona: Etruscan culture, churches and art

Cortona combines Etruscan archaeology, historic buildings, sacred sites, art and music. The Cortona–Alta Sant’Egidio–Eremo delle Celle route is another highlight, offering views of Cortona and the Val di Chiana at several points along the way. When choosing a holiday apartment in Cortona, you can therefore focus on different aspects of your trip.

Etruscan traces and the Fortezza del Girifalco

The Sodo archaeological area is located in the Sodo district at the foot of Cortona and includes the Etruscan Archaic Tumulus I of Sodo. The Fortezza del Girifalco towers dominantly above Cortona’s hill. It was built in 1561 by the architect Serbelloni on behalf of Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici and is used as a historic venue for exhibitions of contemporary art.

Museums and architectural history

The Diocesan Museum of Cortona is housed in the Complesso del Gesù, which was built between 1498 and 1505. The museum contains paintings on wooden panels and canvas, as well as the “Annunciation” by Beato Angelico. Palazzo Casali was built in the 13th century by the Casali family, which ruled Cortona, and served as the family’s official residence during its rule from 1325 to 1409. Its two underground floors, formerly used as prisons, house the Museo della Città Etrusca e Romana di Cortona.

Churches, relics and Franciscan history

The Concattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta in Cortona stands on the remains of Etruscan and medieval walls, as well as on the ruins of the ancient Pieve di Santa Maria, which are visible on the façade. Its bell tower dates from 1566 and is the work of the Cortona-born architect Francesco Laparelli. The Basilica of Santa Margherita is located in an elevated position on the edge of Cortona’s historic old town. In an urn above the high altar, an embossed silver frame preserves the body of Saint Margaret.

Le Celle is considered one of the earliest Franciscan hermitages and an important pilgrimage site for followers of Saint Francis. The Franciscan hermitage of “Le Celle” is also one of the first Franciscan settlements selected and desired by Francis of Assisi. The liturgical feast day of Saint Margaret on 22 February is considered an important festival for Cortona and the entire diocese. Since 2000, the Associazione Organi Storici Cortona has organized a concert series every year featuring organ works, as well as organ music performed with other instruments.

Getting there and choosing a location

Cortona can be reached from the Terontola or Camucia Cortona railway stations by taxi or by buses operated by Tiemme or Autolinee Toscane. There are also bus connections to Cortona from the railway stations in Arezzo and Castiglion Fiorentino. You can take these travel routes into account when choosing your holiday apartment if you want to focus on museums, palazzi, churches, concerts or the route with its views of Cortona and the Val di Chiana.

More location pages for Cortona

More location pages to help you choose: Camucia, Pergo Di Cortona, Terontola, Pietraia, Barullo-Centoia, Campaccio, Mercatale, Fratticciola, Riccio, Cegliolo, Ossaia, Sant'agata, Col Di Morro, Torreone, Montanare, Monsigliolo and Chianacce.

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