Description

Cortona, an attractive walled town founded by the Etruscans 2,500 years ago is rich in architecture, museums, ancient churches, and Renaissance painting.

Sights and Attractions: Piazza della Repubblica is the hearth of the city and hosts the 12th Century Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall); and the "Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo" (12th C). The piazza is linked with Piazza Casali, that preserves the ancient features and houses the "Museum dell'Accademia Etrusca".

Duomo: Romanesque built between the 15th and 16th centuries above a pre-existent Roman parish church of which it is possible to see some remains. It has renaissance interiors. The Cathedral has a three nave interior with interesting works of art.

Church of San Francesco: Gothic church restored in 17th C. It preserves some pictures, and the Gothic tomb of bishop Ubertini. On the high altar is a precious reliquary of the Byzantine school.

San Nicolo'***: 14th century small church in secluded location among cypress trees. Worthy of note is the standard above the high altar, painted on the two sides by the famous painter Luca Signorelli. (a sight not to be missed)

Sanctuary of St. Margherita: The Church rises from an enchanting location on Cortona's hilltop, and from the church square visitors can enjoy a beautiful panorama. On the high altar it preserves the mummified body of St. Margherita da Cortona and a nice 12th century ligneous crucifix.

The Fortezza Medicea (Medici's family fortress): On the hilltop emerges the trapezoidal mass of the fortress, with four large bastions. It is a beautiful example of military architecture of the 1500's.

Outside the city walls is the Madonna del Calcinaio, an elegant Renaissance church. It is shaped like a Latin cross with octagonal dome. Inside there is the miraculous venerated image of "Madonna del Calcinaio" (14th C)

Museums: The Museo Diocesano is one of the most important museums of Tuscany, thanks to the richness of the works on display, among which are several masterpieces of Italian painters. It lies in front of the Duomo and preserves mainly pictures of the 14th and 15th centuries. (works by Pietro Lorenzetti, Luca Signorelli, Beato Angelico,   Sassetta,  and the famous reliquary Vagnucci (1457). It also preserves some frescoes by Vasari and a beautiful painted crucifix by  Ambrogio Lorenzetti.

Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca, founded in 1727, is hosted in Palazzo Casali. It boasts rare ancient Etruscan finds and Roman remains, including the famous big bronze chandelier adorned with satyrs and sirens (4 C b.c.) In addition, it preserves several Egyptian and Roman works of art, mosaics, coins, medals, terracottas, bucchero were, medieval objects etc., as well as, many paintings  by Pinturicchio,  Luca Signorelli,  Pietro da Cortona and  Lorenzo di Bicci

Events: The "Mostra Mercato Nazionale del Mobile Antico" takes place in Cortona from the Saturday before the last Sunday of August to the second Sunday of September. It is one of the most important antique furniture fairs in Europe.