Cortona

CORTONA

At least since the publication of "Under the Tuscan Sun" which what shot in Cortona in 2003 is this picturesque city, which watches over the Val di Chiana, a "must see" for Tuscany friends. And they all want the same thing: feel like Frances Mayes as she fell in love with the house "Bramasole" (yearn for the sun).

Cortona belongs to the Tuscan province of Arezzo in the south east of Tuscany. It is located on the southern slope of the mountain Monte S. Egidio. The mountain range stretches from Arezzo to Lake Trasimeno and separate the Chiana valley from the Tiber valley. Cortona is about 500 above sea level and has strong height differences. Hardly a street or a piazza runs evenly. The hillside location gives the town a particularly idyllic atmosphere and provides excellent panoramic views of Val di Chiana. Small alleyways invite you to get lost and allow a way to discover the narrow corners of the city and to enjoy the beautiful architecture and design of the city and recharge your inspiration.

Cortona has a long history, which dates back tot he 7th century before Christ. It was an original settlement of the Umbrians. The town of Cortona was one of the main centers of the later Etruscan country. All this is proofed by the partially preserved city walls and some Etruscan tombs in the area.

As the birthplace of important artists: such as Luca Signorelli (1450-1523) and Pietro da Cortona (1596-1669) the town of Cortona has been known as the "City of Artists" over the regional borders for more than 200 years now.

In today's time, Cortona has become a very lively small town with about 24,000 residents.

Due to its tourist popularity, you can find here travelers from different parts of the world. Everyone is welcome and will be added to the community with a smile or a free grappa after dinner.

In the center, the Via Nazionale has evolved to a aasily chic boulevard. The small-Italian answer to the Champs-Elysees. Here you will find some chic cafes and boutiques and additonally numerous shops. But the center of Cortona is dominated by Piazza della Repubblica, surrounded by the impressive buildings of the Palazzo Communale and Palazzo del Popolo, which complete the picturesque cityscape impressively.