CORTONA

 

The ancient  town of Cortona, one of the twelve cities of the Etruscan league, is situated at 600 mts above sea level with magnificent views over the Val di chiana the most extensive valley in the apennine chain.
Substantial fragments of its primitive cyclopean defences can still be seen incorporated in the medieval walls.
The medieval  atmosphere is felt in it's long narrow streets.

The Etruscan Museum displays the Etruscan chandelier known as the lamp of Cortona, one of the most celebrated bronzes of antiquity.
The work of artists such as  Luca Signorelli and Fra Angelico can be seen in the diocesan museum.
The most important medioeval buildings are the churches of S. Francesco
and S. Domenico and Palazzo Casale which has a Renaissance facade.
In these and in the Renaissance churches of S. Maria Nuova and S. Niccolò
valuable works of art are preserved.

The neighbourhood of Cortona is dotted with Etruscan monuments.
Severini's "Via Crucis" (20th century) accompanies the mistic ascent linking
the inhabited centre with the sanctuary of S. Margherita which, in its turn, is
overshadowed by the powerful defences of the Girifalco fortress.

The Cortona Summer Festival, offers a full program of artistic and cultural events, which represent the first expressions of Italian life.

Florence 100 km     Siena 70 Km     Lake Trasimeno 10 Km    Arezzo 30 Km

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