WHY VISIT CORTONA?

Some of the good reasons why it’s worth spending at least a couple of days in Cortona, the pearl of Tuscany, ”Mother of Troy and the Grandmother of Rome,”

 

EXPLORE TUSCANY AND UMBRIA WITH CORTONA AS BASE

 

Cortona, located in eastern Tuscany near the border of Umbria, is the perfect base for exploring the region. Situated on a hill 500 metres above sea level, it offers a unique view of the Val di Chiana. With its proximity to popular destinations such as Montepulciano (32 Km), Pienza (45 Km), Arezzo (28 km), Siena (72 km), Orvieto (95Km), San Gimignano (117 km) | and Umbria; Lake Trasimeno (15 Km), Perugia (45 km), Assisi (70 km) and Orvieto (96 km) it’s ideal for taking in the area’s impressive sights and rich history. Only 20 minutes from Lake Trasimeno, it’s worth spending at least a couple of days in Cortona as part of your itinerary.

FAMOUS PERSONALITIES AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE WORLD’S HISTORY

 

Cortona, originally founded by the Etruscans under the name “Curtun,” still retains many of its original remains from the Etruscan period. It also boasts a rich history, including stories of famous Renaissance artists such as Luca Signorelli and Beato Angelico, as well as Pietro di Cortona from the Baroque period.

THE FOOD AND LOCAL WINE

When it comes to food and local wine, Cortona is a destination not to be missed. The town is full of good restaurants and bars that serve typical Tuscan dishes. There are also many excellent restaurants outside the walls of Cortona. For wine lovers, there are many wine bars where you can dine accompanied by a good Tuscan wine or simply buy local products. Enoteca Molesini, Tuscher Bar, and Bottega Baracchi are great places for wine tasting. The area is also known for its wines made from the Sangiovese grape, which are grown in the surrounding hills of Cortona.

For those who prefer to make their own meals, there is a small supermarket called Molesini in the main square of Cortona (Piazza della Republica). For those with a sweet tooth, there is a food market in Piazza Signorelli. One of the most important gastronomic events in Cortona is the “Sagra della Bistecca” (Steak Festival) which takes place on the 14th, 15th and 16th of August each year.

THE CHARM

 

“Frances Mayes’ heartwarming true story, “Under the Tuscan Sun,” and the popular film it inspired, has brought millions of tourists to Cortona. This humble working man’s town has become an international destination, but one may wonder if Cortona was better in its quieter days as an historical Etruscan hilltop town, less discovered by those seeking illusive magic.

However, one can say confidently, having visited dozens of walled towns in Tuscany and Umbria, that Cortona is perhaps the most magical and real of them all. Each town is different and special, but Cortona is one that one could see themselves living in for a while or perhaps a lifetime. There is a vast openness, even inside the walled fortress. One moment you may find yourself walking down a winding narrow path with flowered terraces and full clotheslines on either side, and then your world opens up and you can see for miles in every direction. The colors that paint the landscape are of an infinite imagination.

You may see the same person having his second cafe on the corner each morning, or you may watch a new group of aspiring artists from American and Canadian Universities display their work proudly in the center of town. Walk into a local bar, sit under a piece of exquisite modern art and have a fabulous cocktail, or have lunch in a family-owned restaurant where you can feel the heat of mamma’s stove waft past your table. Visit enchanting churches, important museums, or find a one-of-a-kind piece of handmade jewelry imprinted with the ancient Etruscan language. Watch an outdoor ballet that rivals the best of Manhattan, or sip a glass of fabulous local Syrah.

Cortona, in my estimation, can maintain its medieval allure, its Etruscan heritage, and its Tuscan charm no matter how many tourists approach its walls or how many couples walk the path to Bramasole. The marvel that is Cortona, fabulously lost in time, dynamically alive in the moment, will prevail in the fortitude, patience and integrity of its people.”

WHEN IS IT BEST TIME TO VISIT CORTONA?

Discovering Cortona: The Perfect Balance of Crowds and Calm – Navigating the High and Low Seasons

 

The best time to visit Cortona is during the high season, which runs from May to October. The town comes to life during this time and there is a high flow of tourists. However, it’s still a bit more calm in May and June.

For those looking to avoid the crowds, the shoulder season, from November to April, is also a good time to visit.

In November, the town may be preparing for the colder months, but there are still interesting activities and markets set up during the Christmas and Easter holidays.

It is best to avoid the low season, from January to February, as most hotels, restaurants, and shops are closed during this time. However, if you are looking for a quiet and peaceful trip, with a focus on meditation and self-reflection, it may be a good time to visit.

10 ATTRACTIONS

ONE DAY IN CORTONA

EVENTS

TOURS & ACTIVITIES