A firm favorite on the tourist trail, a visit to Cortona in Tuscany is a must! Cortona is well known for featuring in the book ‘Under The Tuscan Sun‘ by Frances Mayes, and the feature film that followed.
Visit Cortona In Tuscany
I live half way up a mountain in Umbria, Italy, with fabulous views down the valley and to the mountains beyond. On those mountains, looking past Lago Trasimeno I can see Cortona in Tuscany. I can’t tell you how many times friends visiting Cortona have phoned to say ‘look out the back now and wave’! Then I have stood outside and waved in the direction of friends standing looking toward my house from Cortona while we talk on mobile phones!
Cortona is a beautiful town, popular with tourists. Good for shopping but also a wonderful place for photo opportunities. There is a long main street, largely pedestrianized, full of restaurants and shops. The main street has various alleys and stone stairways going up and down. Every single one is worth a glance. Wander through archways to access lower or higher parts of the town and find the hidden treasures of the town.
There are beautiful local crafts you can buy including artwork, ceramics, hand bound books but also textiles and more.
A Brief History Of Cortona
Cortona is in Tuscany but was originally part of Umbria. It was captured by the Etruscans who called it Curtun. From being a Roman colony and then undergoing various changes of ruler, it was sold to the Medici family in 1411. Following the demise of the Medici dynasty, the town came under the House of Lorraine. Following the Italian Wars of Independence it became part of the Kingdom of Italy.
The town contains beautiful medieval architecture with glimpses down to the valley below. There are wonderful views of churches, like the Chiesa Santa Maria delle Grazie. In an another direction it is possible to see Lago Trasimeno and the mountains beyond.
Food And Drink In Cortona
Taking time out from shopping, you can enjoy a coffee and Italian pastry sitting outside a cafe in the sunshine. There are many restaurants to choose from where you can sit and enjoy local food. If you still have room, you can sit and enjoy a locally made ice cream. Who can resist Italian ice cream?
In the evening, the restaurants and bars are a hive of activity. Wander along the main street and choose where to sit and enjoy a drink under the stars.
Things To Do In Cortona
I can only touch the tip of the iceberg of things to do in and around Cortona. Inside the various museums and exhibition spaces you can see an array of glorious artwork. Including that by native to Cortona artist Pietro da Cortona, an Italian Baroque painter and architect. There is the Museum of the Etruscan Civilization. The Diocesan Museum that includes paintings by Fra Angelico.
Festivals and exhibitions are held at different times of the year and details can be found on the internet. You can find out more here. I will mention just a couple of activities worth including in your itinerary.
Teatro Signarelli
There is the Teatro Signarelli in the main square which features plays and turns into a cinema at weekends to show the latest film releases. There are bars, restaurants and shops dotted around the main square.
Archidado Joust
The Archidado Joust takes place on the first Sunday in June. The joust dates back to the middle ages. According to the website:
The streets are decorated in medieval style, ladies, knights, flag flyers, crossbow shooters, soldiers, pages, civil and religious authorities, all dressed with fine costumes, liven up the city center
Be prepared for crowds, noise and a wonderful experience.
Le Celle
I would recommend a visit to the ‘Le Celle‘, which is about ten minutes outside Cortona. It was the first monastery established by Saint Francis and he lived there for a while. It is a highly spiritual place and quite a change from the fast pace of the center of town during tourist season.
Of course Cortona is not far from other towns that are worth visiting and have various festivals throughout the year. For example, Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno.
Cortona in Tuscany Is A Feast For the Eyes
A glance down any alleyway will reveal a wonderful sight. Perhaps an old fresco under an archway. A view down through an archway to the houses and/or valley below. Wonderful doorways or architectural features abound. Each side street is so inviting to wander down.
It is no wonder that Cortona is so popular with tourists and local Italian visitors alike. And artists!
Purchase Prints
Browse my collection of Tuscany images, including Cortona, on Art Heroes (Europe), RedBubble (worldwide shipping) and Pictorem (USA and Canada).
Before you go
My name is Dorothy Berry-Lound an artist and writer. You can find out more about my art and writing at https://dorothyberryloundart.com.
You can follow me on Facebook.
Thank you for reading!
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