Cortona is an ancient town of the province of Arezzo. At about 600 mt high its position offers a unique panorama.
Cortona was one of the 12 most important Etruscan towns and it is not possible to give a date to its foundation yet today. An ancient legend even says that the foundation of Cortona dates back to the classical times, exactly 108 years after the Universal Flood. In fact, the legend says that Noè, after the flood, once arrived in Cortona lived there for almost 30 years judging it the the best place ever seen in Italy.
Despite the ancient origins of Cortona its recent reputation in the world is mainly due to some books and movies set there.
Frances Mayes who wrote three books set in Cortona and Tuscany, bacame famous because of her book "Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy". Such book, published in 1996, jumped to the first place in the New York Times Best Seller list and kept this position for about two years becoming a world best-seller. After the first one she wrote two more books both set in Tuscany and Cortona - where Frances Mayes lives during many months of the year - which are "Bella Tuscany: The Sweet Life in Italy" and "In Tuscany".
In her books dedicated to Tuscany Frances Mayes talks about her life and travel experience in Tuscany after her divorce from her husband. Arrived in Cortona the writer talks about anecdotes related to her stay in Tuscany, about her new friends, about her adventures and how she decided to refurbish a old house called Casa Bramasole. Given the great success of the book, in 2003 a movie was shot with the title "Under the Tuscan Sun" that had great response from the audience and made lot of cash.
In 1997 instead, Roberto Benigni shot in and around Cortona some scenes from the movie "La Vita è Bella", that was rewarded with 3 Oscar.
But, the fame of both books and movies is due to the incredible beauty of the town. The best way to visit Cortona is by walk for sure. In fact, the city centre is almost fully closed to traffic and the streets are narrow and tortuous. If you arrive by car you will find out of the city walls several paid and free parkings.
ITINERARIES - PLACES TO SEE
Once entered inside the walls you will reach the original historic centre starting in Piazza della Repubblica. Go ahead to Piazza Signorelli, piazza del Duomo, Porta Santa Maria, Porta Sant’Agostino until the Church of Sant’Agostino. Along the way you will see the Town Hall - constructed in the 12th century - Palazzo Casali, seat of the Museum of the Etruscan Academy and of the City of Cortona (MAEC), of the Etruscan Academy and of the Library, the Signorelli Theatre, the Cathedral, the ancient Etruscan walls and the Porta Bifora - the only Etruscan door kept intact and dating back to 200 b.c.
Rising instead to the "Poggio" - the highest part of Cortona - you will see remains of the old Etruscan walls and of the Roman aqueduct. In the centre of the "Poggio" you will find the characteristic Piazzetta del Pozzo Tondo. Going forward along the streets of the Poggio again you will find the Church of San Francesco, the Monastery of Santa Chiara and the Church of San Cristoforo, constructed between 13° and 15° century.
Not to miss the panoramic street called "Piazza Garibaldi", also known as the "Carbonaia" - since it was the road of coal market - starting just out the historical centre of Cortona and from which you will have a wonderful view on the valley and of the Trasimeno lake. Going along the road you will find the Fortress of Girifalco, commissioned by the Medici and constructed for defensive purposes. Along the panoramic way you will find a road that leads to the Hermitage of the Celle.
Franciscan Sanctuary Le Celle (Hermitage of Le Celle)
The Hermitage of le Celle is the place where San Francesco said his last wishes. After his death - 1226 - the Hermitage underwent a series of vicissitudes mainly connected to Church internal divisions and to the Order of Franciscans, until 1537 when it was given to the bishop of Cortona and to his third Order of Franciscans - better known as Cappuccini. During those years the structure just underwent a few changes, except for some works made by Brother Elia in 1239 and for the construction of a new chapel in 1634.
EVENTS
Joust of the Archidado (first Sunday of June)
The Joust of the Arhidado takes place in Cortona from 1397 during the so called Medieval week. It is a typical commemorative celebration - commemorative festival and celebrations are very popular in Tuscany - where together with market stalls the citizens challenge in Medieval tournaments. The whole event enriched by a costume parade that recalls customs and traditions of the past.
The festival is organized in honor of the wedding of Francesco Casali with Antonia Salimbeni. During the celebration the crossbow tournament takes place to which the 5 districts of the city - also called "quintieri" - take part. Each "quintiere" has to choose two crossbowmen who have to score the highest amount of points striking a small cube - 15 cm side - put at a distance of 20 mt. Winners are awarded with the "Verretta d’Oro" - a golden crossbow dart.