Cortona and its treasures

The city tour of Cortona can start from the top, with a visit to the Basilica of S. Margherita, and then continue on foot (we point out a section of unevenly sloping cobblestones; most of the route is paved), through the ancient town. Afterwards, we move to the city center to admire the Piazza del Comune, the splendid Palazzo Casali, medieval residence of the family of the same name and today home to the MAEC (i.e., the Museum of the Etruscan Academy of Cortona) and the beautiful Cathedral, not forgetting the Church of St. Francis, one of the first Franciscan churches built by Friar Elias, where you can admire the Annunciation by Pietro da Cortona and the important relic “The Redeeming Cross.”

One cannot fail to end the visit with a stroll along Via Nazionale, the ancient “Ruga piana” lined with alleys and breathtaking panoramic views, where there are craft stores, antiques, art galleries and lovely cafes for some relaxation. We also point out, not to be missed: the characteristic medieval houses of Via Jannelli and the “belvedere” over Lake Trasimeno from Piazza Garibaldi, a natural terrace where the eye can really travel far.

Wanting to visit the hermitage of Le Celle, you can reach it by bus only from Monday to Friday. On holidays and pre-holidays, buses have to stop at a rest area and it is necessary to walk about a kilometer to reach the site.