Cortona – Etruscan History, Churches and Culture in Tuscany

Cortona between Etruscan History and Tuscan Culture

Cortona offers a wealth of evidence from different eras, religious sites, museums and cultural events. A good starting point for understanding the town is the archaeological area of Sodo in the district of Sodo at the foot of Cortona. There, the area includes the Etruscan Archaic Tumulus I of Sodo. However, the Etruscan past is not limited to this archaeological site; it can also be encountered in the town’s buildings and collections.

Fortress, Palaces and Museums

The Fortezza del Girifalco rises prominently above the hill of Cortona. It was built in 1561 by the architect Serbelloni on behalf of Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici. Today, the historic fortress is used as a venue for exhibitions of contemporary art. In this way, the site combines its military past with a contemporary cultural setting without losing its historic character.

Another facet of the town’s history is revealed by the Palazzo Casali. The Casali rulers had it built in the 13th century; during Cortona’s rule from 1325 to 1409, it served as the family’s official residence. The two underground floors, which once served as prisons, now house the Museo della Città Etrusca e Romana di Cortona. The palazzo thus leads directly from the history of medieval rule to the city’s Etruscan and Roman themes.

The Diocesan Museum of Cortona is housed in the Complesso del Gesù, which was built between 1498 and 1505. Its collection includes paintings on wooden panels and canvas, as well as the “Annunciation” by Fra Angelico. Those who do not wish to view art separately from its historic setting can experience both here within a shared context.

Churches and Religious Sites

The Concattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta stands on the remains of Etruscan and medieval walls. Ruins of the ancient Pieve di Santa Maria are also visible on its façade. The bell tower dates from 1566 and is the work of the architect Francesco Laparelli, who was from Cortona. The Basilica of Santa Margherita is located on elevated ground at the edge of Cortona’s historic old town. In an urn above the high altar, an embossed silver frame holds the body of Saint Margaret. Her liturgical feast day on 22 February is considered an important festival for Cortona and the entire diocese.

The Franciscan Hermitage of “Le Celle” also has a special religious significance. It is considered one of the first Franciscan hermitages and an important pilgrimage site for followers of Saint Francis. At the same time, it is one of the first Franciscan establishments selected and desired by Francis of Assisi.

Routes, Views and Cultural Events

Along the Cortona–Alta Sant’Egidio–Eremo delle Celle route, views of Cortona and the Val di Chiana open up at several points. This landscape perspective complements visits to museums, churches and historic buildings. Since 2000, the Associazione Organi Storici Cortona has organized an annual concert series featuring organ works as well as works for organ and other instruments. The event series adds music as another component of Cortona’s cultural life.

There are several public transport connections for getting there: from the Terontola or Camucia Cortona railway stations, Cortona can be reached by taxi or by buses operated by Tiemme or Autolinee Toscane. Bus connections to Cortona are also available from the railway stations in Arezzo and Castiglion Fiorentino. You can take these different arrival options into account when choosing your accommodation and planning your cultural days, without combining the individual sights into a single circular route.

Further Options for Your Search

If you would like to extend your search beyond Cortona, you can also find Chianacce, Camucia, Pergo Di Cortona, Terontola, Pietraia, Barullo-Centoia, Campaccio, Mercatale, Montanare, Monsigliolo, Fratticciola, Riccio, Cegliolo, Ossaia, Sant'agata, Col Di Morro and Torreone.

For the main travel overview: Arezzo.