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CORTONA
Cortona
dominates Valdichiana and the Trasimeno lake and is absolutely
enchanting. Cortona was an important Etruscan settlement and
then became a Roman town during the social war and gained prosperity
during the Middle Ages. The Cities was sold in 1411 to the Florentines
and then became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The best
thing with Cortona is the view, a harmonious landscape where
the mountains of Siena meet the green valleys of Valdichiana.
The visit starts from the majestic remains of the boundary walls
which go back to the Etruscan period. The tombs and the finds
displayed in the Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca in the Palazzo
Casali testify the presence of the Etruscans. |
Discovering the Cities |
 |
 The
Chiesa della Madonna del Calcinaio is very beautiful and was
built between the 14th and the 15th century. The Duomo from
the 16th century and the Chiesa di Santa Maria Nuova which was
built on Etruscan remains and with a great cupola from 17th
century, are also worth a visit. The Fortezza Medicea (the Medici
Fortress), also known as the Fortezza del Grifalco, on the top
of the hill above Cortona, dominates the Cities. From
here you have a marvellous view from Monte Amiato to the Trasimeno
lake. Right under the fortress you find the Sanctuary of Santa
Margherita, from where the steep streets lead you down to the
Cities. In the heart of Cortona you find the Romanesque churches
San Francesco and Sant'Agostino, and the Museo Diocesano which
holds an exceptional collection of paintings. Just to mention,
there are some works by Beato Angelico, Luca Signorelli, Duccio
di Buoninsegna and Pietro Lorenzetti. The library "Biblioteca
dell'Accademia Etrusca" with many parchments, manuscripts,
incunabola and printed volumes, attracts scientists from the
whole world. Not far from Cortona you find the "Tanella
di Pitagora", an Etruscan funeral building from the 4th
and the 1st century B.C. In the archaeological area, in the
surroundings of Sodo, the archaeologists have found two Etruscan
tombs. The building called "Melone II" is probably
the biggest temple found in Etruria and the scientists believe
it goes back to the 7th century B.C. |
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