An Etruscan hill town with a view over the Valdichiana and Lake Trasimeno
Cortona clings to a steep hill above the Valdichiana, enclosed by walls that still incorporate Etruscan blocks. Its steep lanes lead to Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza Signorelli, framed by medieval palaces, and up to the Medici fortress of Girifalco, from which the view reaches Lake Trasimeno.
The MAEC museum holds an extraordinary Etruscan bronze lamp with sixteen burners and finds from the princely tombs at the foot of the hill, the Meloni. The Diocesan Museum has Fra Angelico's Annunciation and works by Luca Signorelli, who was born here. The town became world famous thanks to the book and film "Under the Tuscan Sun".
Tip: walk out to the church of Santa Maria del Calcinaio, a Renaissance gem by Francesco di Giorgio, and taste the Cortona Syrah, the area's red wine.
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