The town of Cortona stand high on a hill (650) and has a spectacular views of the Valdichiana, Lake Trasimeno and Mount Amiata.

Originally, an Etruscan stronghold, Cortona was conquered by the Romans and Goths before becoming a free commune in the 12th century when it enjoyed a period of notable splendour.

The centre of Cortona is Piazza della Repubblica. The nearby Palazzo Pretorio houses Cortona’s Etruscan Museum.

The most important artifact is the famous bronze lamp which dates back to the V century B.C.

The Diocesan Museum opposite the cathedral contains the Annunciation by Beato Angelico and works by other major Tuscan artists, including Luca Signorelli, native of Cortona.

Amongst Cortona’s most beautiful churches are the Gothic Church of S. Francesco and the Sanctuary of S. Margherita which contains the tomb of the saint dead in 1362.

The Medici fortress affords the best views of town and countryside. In the north east of Cortona the visitor can tour the hermitage Eremo delle Celle, founded by S. Francesco in 1211.