'''Cortona''' is a town in the Province Arezzo, Tuscany. It is one of the twelve cities of the Etruscan League. Located at the altitude of 600 metres, it has magnificent panoramas to every point of the compass. The town was the set of the film "Life is Beautiful" by Roberto Benigni, and becoming increasingly popular in the recent years thanks to the book "Under the Tuscan Sun" by Frances Mayes and the film with the same title based loosely on the book.

Get in

By air

Cortona can be reached by flying to Italian major international airports in Rome and Milan, or to the two airports in Tuscany:

  • '''Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei''' ({{IATA|PSA}}) [http://www.pisa-airport.com/], located 1.5 km (1 mi) north of Pisa city centre, served by many budget airlines. From there you can take a train (40 metres from airport).
  • '''Florence Airport Amerigo Vespucci''' (IATA:'''FLR''') [http://www.airport.florence.it/], Located four kilometres from the centre of Florence. From there you can use the Sita/Ataf service "Fly by Bus" (''Vola in bus'') between the airport and Florence's Santa Maria Novella railway station (20 min).
  • By train

    Closest train station is "Camucia-Cortona", with direct trains from Florence and Rome or "Terontola-Cortona" with direct trains from Florence and Venice. You can also take a train to Arezzo and then another train to "Camucia-Cortona". A bus is leaving every 30 min from the Camucia station to town. Taxi is available in front of the Camucia station, however apparently there is only one taxi serving this "route" (a silver minibus with a sign "CAB" in front). The driver speaks good English (if he is not waiting inside the car, you may find him in the waiting room). If you want to be sure that there is taxi for you, ask your hotel to book one for you.

    By car

    Take the Autostrada del Sole highway (A1), exit at the Valdichiana toll-gate and get on the Siena-Perugia speedway, direction Perugia. Get off the speedway at the Cortona-San Lorenzo exit. Keep driving direction Cortona, drive past Camucia and follow signs for Cortona. Climbing up the hill, you will find the Cortona town-limit sign.

    By bus

    There are public busses from nearby cities such as Arezzo or Terontola. The ticket costs EUR1 per journey, sold at tobacco shops (''Tabacchi'') and should be stamped on the machine inside the bus. The bus stop for Cortona is Piazza Garibaldi.

    Get around

    The best way to explore Cortona is on foot as the town is very small. Driving in Cortona is very difficult as the streets are steep and narrow. Parking inside town is almost impossible. However, parking areas are available outside the town walls, some are free.

    See

  • '''Etruscan''' tombs
  • '''Palazzo Comunale''' (Town hall), which was built in 13th century
  • Squares

  • '''Piazza della Repubblica''': the most famouse '''piazza''' in Cortona.
  • '''Piazza Signorelli''': next to the ''Piazza della Repubblica'' and less crowded. During sundays it has a flea market where they sell antiques. The ''Teatro dell Signorelli'' is also here.
  • '''Piazza Garibaldi'''
  • Churches

  • '''The Cathedral (Il Duomo)''' Summer daily 7:30am-1pm and 3:30-6:30pm; winter daily 8am-12:30pm and 3-5:30pm. Free admission.
  • '''Church of Santa Maria Nuova'''
  • '''Eremo Le Celle'''
  • '''Farneta Abbey'''
  • '''Church of San Benedetto'''
  • '''Church of San Domenico'''
  • '''Church of San Francesco'''
  • '''Church of Santa Margherita'''
  • '''Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Church of Calcinaio)''', supposed to be the most beautiful Renaissance monument in Cortona.
  • '''Church of San Niccolo'''
  • Museums

  • '''Diocesan Museum''' (''Museo Diocesano''), Piazza del Duomo, Tel. ''-''62830. Opening hours: 9:30AM-1PM & 3:30PM-7PM, Monday closed. Rates: Adult ?5, Children 8-12y ?1.
  • '''Museum of the Etruscan Academy ''' (''Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca''), Palazzo Casali, Tel. ''-'' or . Opening hours: April-October 10AM-7PM daily, November-March 10AM-5PM Monday closed.
  • Special events

  • '''Tuscan Sun Festival''' [http://festivaldelsole.com/cortona/eng/main.html], an annual event in summer. Festival with concerts performed by the world_fs most acclaimed musical artists, exhibitions with leading visual artists, discussions with top literary figures and culinary delights with the finest chefs and winemakers.
  • Do

  • '''Cooking Class''', offered by several hotels in Cortona:
  • :* "Hotel Restaurant Corys" (''see contact details in Sleep section''). :* "Relais il Falconiere", Localita San Martino, 370. One day cooking class in one Michelin star Restaurant. Classes begin at 4:30PM (last approx. 3h). Available every week on request, all year round except for July and August. Prices: up to 2 person ?180/person, 3 or more ?160.
  • 3D3 World MAYA Training. astello Neve. oggioni. 575.690.060. ttp://www.3D3world.com. 5, 10 and 20 day one teacher to one student intensive Maya 3D animation courses at 3D3 World at the Castello Neve. Training is by industry professionals and all meals and accommodation are included.

    Buy

  • .

    Wine & Olive Oil

  • '''Cantine Faralli''', Loc. Fasciano 4, Tel. ''-''.
  • '''Wine Bar La Casa Gialla''', Via Gramsci, 113 (S.S.71 Umbro Casentinese) Tel. ''-'', Fax ''-'', email: agriduemila@technet.it.
  • '''Molesini Market Enoteca Prodotti Tipici''', Piazza Repubblica, Tel. ''-''62544.
  • Patisserie

  • '''Pasticceria Banchelli''', Via Matteotti, 119, Tel. ''-''. Offers a fine selection of pastries, chocolates, cakes, espresso and cappuccino.
  • Eat

    Cortona is small and loaded with tourists during the holiday season so that reservation is highly recommended, especially for dinner. Lunch and dinner are normally served at specific time so you might be sent away if you come outside this time. For less fancy eating possibilities, there are take-away pizza shops around Piazza della Repubblica.

  • '''Trattoria Dardano''', Via Dardano, 24, Tel./Fax ''-'' or ''+39-333-'', email:info@trattoriadardano.com. Closed on Wednesday.
  • '''Trattoria La Grotta''', P.Baldelli 3, Tel. ''-''. With outdoor tables in a secluded coutyard. Closed on Tuesday.
  • '''Osteria del Teatro''', Via Maffei, 2, Tel. ''-'', email: info@osteria-del-teatro.it.
  • '''Hosteria La Bucaccia''', via Ghibellina n. 17, Tel '', email: info@labucaccia.it
  • '''Ristorante Poggio Sant'Angelo''', C.s. Farneta n. 42, Tel '', email: info@poggiosantangelo.it
  • Ice cream

  • '''Gelateria Linus''', Piazza Signorelli, 24, Tel. ''-''.
  • Drink

    The red wine '''Sangiovese''' is the pride of Tuscany and famous worldwide with the popular name "Chianti". The '''Syrah''' has also received high recognition.

    Wine

  • '''Caffe Degli Artisti''', Via Nazionale, 18, Tel. ''-''. Owned by Italian-Finnish couple.
  • Pubs

  • '''The Lion's Well''', Piazza Signorelli 28, Tel. ''-''.
  • Nightlife

  • '''Route 66 Cafe''', Via Nazionale, 71, Angolo Piazza Garibaldi, Tel. ''.
  • Sleep

    Budget

  • '''Albergo Ristorante Portole''', Via Umbro Cortonese 39, portole@technet.it. Hotel Restaurant "Portole" is situated amid the wood and fields of a Tuscan mountainside, a few kilometres from the ancient Etruscan town of Cortona, a centre of art and culture. This exceptional location, with its panoramic views across the Val di Chiana to Lake Trasimeno and Mount Amiata, offers the perfect, tranquil spot by a quiet holiday with excellent opportunities for country walks, mountain bike rides and cultural excursions to nearby towns.
  • '''Agriturismo Casamontana''', Portole Cortona 52044 Tel. e Fax +39 0575.691021 info@casamontana.it, [http://www.casamontana.it]. The Farm house, Casamontana, is composed of two houses, Il Fungo and La Castagna. They are both situated in a panoramic position in the hills 800m above sea level, but close to the medieval and etruscan city of Cortona. The houses are surrounded by woods overlooking the Valdichiana with wonderful views of Lake Trasimeno. The houses are built of stone with terracotta floors. The two houses have central heating, air conditioning, satelite tv, a laundry, barbecue, garden, and ample parking space. Small and medium sized dogs are permitted in the properties.
  • '''Hotel Italia''', located in "Via Ghibellina", Via Ghibellina, Tel. - Fax + hotelitalia@planhotel.com. An elegant and aristocratic house of the 1600s, it has been recently restored. The hotel is quite peaceful.
  • '''Agriturismo La Vecchia Fornace''', San Lorenzo 52042, vecchiafornace@technet.com. ancient stone built farmhouse, restored in keeping with it's original character is situated in the countryside at 350 m above sea level and is just 8 km from the ancient Etruscan, Medieval town of Cortona. It is in the middle of lovely lawns, sunflower, corn, wheat fields, and woods. In the farm, there is also the old "vecchia Fornace" from which it takes it's name.
  • '''Agriturismo Rocca di Pierle''', Pierle 52040 Cortona (AR) Italy Tel. + - Fax + info@roccadipierle.com. Surrounded by the green hills of the Pierle valley, only a few miles away from the Etruscan town of Cortona, lies the Country House Rocca di Pierle. The completely restored farm house, which opened in June 2004, overlooks a beautiful valley and is bathed from early morning to evening by warm sunshine.
  • '''Ostello San Marco''', Via Maffei 57, Tel./Fax ''-'', email: ostellocortona@libero.it. Rates: B&B ?12.50, Family ?16.50/2-4 person, Meal ?9. Beds: 80 (in room for 2-4-6 or 8). Opens March 15-Oct 15 except with group reservation.
  • '''Agriturismo Villa Cuiano''', high on a hilltop near Cortona on the eastern edge of Tuscany, Villa Cuiano is a sprawling farmhouse with marvellous panoramic views of the Niccone Valley and the distant mountains of Umbria. The farmhouse has been divided into some apartments each decorated in traditional Tuscan style. Villa Cuiano is perfect for family reunion, wedding reception, large group of friends holydays, honeymoon vacation. <sleep name="Agriturismo Villa Cuiano" alt="http://www.pierle.com" address="Loc. Pierle- Voc. Cuiano 52040 Cortona (AR)" directions="" phone="" email="informazioni@pierle.com" fax="" url="http://www.pierle.com" checkin="4PM" checkout="10AM" price=""></sleep>
  • '''Agriturismo Pratovalle''', Creti 41, Tel. 0575610088, Fax 0575610088, info@pratovalle.com, [http://www.pratovalle.com/index_eng.html], Pratovalle country house is in the heart of Valdichiana Valley, in a charming scenery close to historical places like the Etruscan town of Cortona, the Montecchio Castle, the old Medieval towns of Castiglion Fiorentino, Lucignano and Foiano della Chiana. The Pratovalle country house is an old barn restored to four comfortable apartments with air conditioning, dishwasher, oven and satellite tv. Moreover, in the large communal hall you can relax and have the best of local food. Around the house there is a park with olive trees, cypresses and other long-stemmed plants where it is possible to relax and eat. At the centre of the park, under the sun and overviewing a beautiful scenery there is a big swimming pool. Next to the Country house there is the owners_f house for every information and help you need.
  • Mid range

  • '''Hotel Villa Marsili''', Viale C.Battisti, 13, Tel. 0039 0575 605252 - Fax 0039 0575 605618 info@villamarsili.net, [http://www.villamarsili.net/cortona-hotel/en/home.html] With its refined lounges, and finely furnished, frescoed bedrooms, welcome to the cosy atmosphere of one of the town's most elegant residences. Besides the charm of its history, the building enjoys a scenic position. Villa Marsili is situated within Cortona's ancient walls and retains all the grace and charm of its original architectural structure. Among the 27 rooms, all equipped with the most modern comfort, stand out 3 suites and 6 deluxe, made more comfortable with whirlpool bath. ROOMS FROM ? 135,00 TO ? 230,00, SUITES FROM 270,00.
  • '''Hotel Villa di Piazzano''', Cortona-Localita Piazzano, info@villadipiazzano.com, [http://www.villadipiazzano.com], A walk without time, in the green heart of Italy. Perfectly embedded between Umbria and Tuscany, amidst enchanting panoramas and precious traces of history, the Hotel Villa di Piazzano of Cortona has a vitality and a "breath" that regenerates the senses - smell, sight and, above all, taste. Price from 104 to 264 euros.
  • '''Relais La Corte del Sole''', I Giorgi, Petrignano, info@cortedelsole.com. There is a harmonious blend of rustic dwellings in the architecture of the Relais, in which the antique uses have been knowingly re-valued and redesigned, giving full respect to the features passed down over the centuries. Certain antique structures that had been modified or destroyed over the years have been restored.
  • '''Relais Villa Baldelli''', San Pietro a Cegliolo, 420, info@villabaldelli.com Price: FROM ? 176,00 to ? 220,00.
  • '''Relais La Corte dei Papi''', in the heart of the Esse valley, surrounded by gentle Tuscan hills. The Relais is an oasis of peace and quiet, ideal for those who would like to enjoy traditional local atmosphere. David Papi and his staff are pleased to offer you the greatest hospitality and comfort in this enchanting hotel where you can sample local dishes and fine wines of the region. Relais La Corte dei Papi - Via La Dogana, Loc. Pergo di Cortona (AR) Tel. - Fax info@lacortedeipapi.com [http://www.lacortedeipapi.com/]
  • '''Residence Il Casale''', San Pietro a Cegliolo, 434 Cortona (AR) Italy Tel. - Fax info@ilcasale.com . A residence out of a building of the year 500 sits in front of the towers, the domes the green and the sky of Cortona, a city of ancient origins, often visited by the ex French president Mitterand, and today by the University of Georgia (UGA). During august it is the chosen location for the National Antiques Showroom where for the occasion, in the old rooms of Palazzo Casali and Palazzo Vagnotti, all the most important Italian exhibitors gather.
  • '''Hotel il Melone''', il Sodo Case Sparse, info@ilmelone.it. Dates back to the beginning of the 19th century when it was a property of the Mancinis, a noble family from Cortona who still owns the entire set of buildings. The Mancini family boasts a wide family tree that includes Girolamo Mancini, scholar, man of letters and patriot who followed Garibaldi in 1860 and 1866. Restoration The original architectural features of the Borgo have remained essentially unchanged and they can still be recognized in the setup of the residential facilities. The master's manor was surrounded by farmhouses where a variety of farming activities, typical of the Cortona area, were carried out every day. Park:When you arrive at Borgo Il Melone, you will behold a vast stretch of bright green fields, with an area of almost 9 acres, partially covered by lively patches of flowers ranging from the deep red of rose beds to the delicate purple of lavender shrubs and the dark green of rosemary bushes spreading a lovely scent. Price: FROM ? 120,00 to ? 160,00.
  • '''Hotel San Luca''', Plzza Garibaldi, 1, info@sanlucacortona.com. In the Piazza Garibaldi in the historic centre of Cortona (within city walls), on a magnificent natural panoramic terrace overlooking the Val di Chiana and the Lake Trasimeno. From here you may reach on foot walking down the main street, Via Nazionale, the main square with the impressive medieval town-hall, the two local museums (the new MAEC and the Museo Dicocesano) as well as the Signorelli theatre and the Cathedral. Thanks to its quiet and peaceful location the hotel is an ideal place to relax after visiting town or after a stressful business day whilst enjoying a central location.
  • '''Villa Aurea''', situated in Cortona where the Tuscan hills meet the Umbrian hills. It is a few kilometres from centres of artistic interest and international culture in Florence, Siena, Perugia, and Arezzo. Inside the the 30,000 sq. m. park there is a hundred year old red wood (sequoia) tree that dominates the Italian gardens that are lined with spaces and rlaxing paths. This four star hotel consists of three independent residential units: the central villa dating back to 1700 with the attached private chapel, and the two side annexes- Il Villino and La Limonaia. Villa Aurea - N.A. Campaccio 5/8, Cortona (AR) Tel. + - Fax + info@psicoblu.com Price: FROM ? 120,00 TO ?250,00
  • '''Locanda Petrella 26''', Vicolo Petrella, 26, Tel./Fax ''-'', email: info@petrella26.com. Rates: ?70/single, ?80/double, ?100/triple.
  • '''Bed & Breakfast Le Gelosie''' Via Dardano, 6, Tel./Fax ''-'', email: info@legelosie.com. Rates: ?95-120
  • '''Hotel Restaurant Corys''', Loc. Torreone, 6, Tel. ''-'', Fax ''+39-575-''. Rates/person: ?62 bed and breakfast, ?83 half-board, ?104 full-board. There is a supplement of ?21 for a single person and ?26 for a third bed.
  • Residence Il cassero from 70 euro *'''[http://www.ilcassero-tuscany.com/ Il Cassero]'''

    Splurge

  • '''Casa Portagioia''', [http://www.tuscanbreaks.com], A small boutique hotel/B&B in Tuscany close to Cortona (10 km). 5 guest bedrooms ? all with luxury bathrooms and 2 suite apartments for 2?4 guests. Offering excellent accommodation, a heated swimming pool and gorgeous scenery. Perfect for relaxing breaks or to explore the delights of Tuscany and Umbria. Highly rated bed and breakfast in Tuscany. You can view a movie of the accommodation and the local towns from the website. High Season: ?170
  • Apartment

  • '''Belvedere Apartments ? Holiday Homes''', Via San Sebastiano 31. Elegantly furnished and carefully restored ground floor apartments in an ancient building located right in the historical centre of Cortona, a well-know Etruscan and cultural town. Each apartment has a wonderful view over the Chiana Valley and Trasimeno Lake, and is situated in a quiet area with a public parking just 50 meters away with the possibility of car access for loading and unloading baggage.
  • '''Casa Bellavista''' - Bed & Breakfast in the true English sense, a home that is opened to visitors who wish to experience the true lifestyle of a Tuscan family.Three double bedrooms, each with it_fs own bathroom, are open to guests. Guests also have full use of the indoor common rooms such as the library, the sitting rooms and the dining room. There are also the outside spaces; the park, the orchard with it_fs views of Cortona, the garden with it_fs 180__ views toward Montepulciano, Mount Amiata, Sinalunga and Monte San Savino, the swimming pool. Casa Bellavista - Localita Creti, 52044 Cortona (AR) Tel: + - Fax + info@casabellavista.it
  • '''Casa Capucci ? Holiday Homes''', entering Cortona through Porta Sant'Agostino and heading towards Porta Santa Maria, one finds him/herself going along Via delle Mura del Mercato, the street that skirts the ancient city walls. Here lies an old three story Palazzo that has been divided into 2 apartments with a breathtaking view of the Chiana Valley that stretches out below Cortona. The city walls were built by the Etruscans in the 5th century B.C. and was later restored by the Romans and again in Medieval times. Casa Capucci - Via delle Mura del Mercato, Cortona (AR)
  • '''Casa Gregorio II ? Holiday Homes''', Via delle Mura del Mercato. Entering Cortona through Porta Sant'Agostino and heading towards Porta Santa Maria, one finds him/herself going along Via delle Mura del Mercato, the street that skirts the ancient city walls. Here lies an old three story Palazzo that has been divided into 2 apartments with a breathtaking view of the Chiana Valley that stretches out below Cortona. The city walls were built by the Etruscans in the 5th century b.C. and was later restored by the Romans and again in Medieval times. The Palazzo has recently been restored maintaining the old Terracotta floors, the sandstone arcades and the wooden beams of the ceilings.
  • '''Le Gelosie''', Via Dardano, 6, Tel./Fax ''-'', email: info@legelosie.com. Rates: Weekend ?350-700/3 nights, weekly ?700-1,200/7 nights.
  • '''Castello Neve''', [http://www.poggioni.com], Several apartments at the Castello Neve ranging from 20 square metres to 100 square metres in the village of Poggioni 12 miles outside of Cortona on the Tuscan Umbrian border. Contact EMAIL [mailto:george@poggioni.com] WEB [http://www.poggioni.com] PHONE +39.0575.690.060 Prices from ?80 Euros to ?320 Euros per night.
  • Cope

    '''Tourist Information Agency (A.P.T.)''', Via Nazionale, 42, Tel. ''''- or , Fax -''.

    Stay Safe

    Beware of your belongings as even when the town feels safe, it is still crowded by tourists which are good targets to pickpockets.

    The town is hilly and some attractions (church or castle) are located on the hills so that it might be difficult to reach for some people. Consider renting a car if travelling with children or older people.

    Get out

  • Arezzo, 33 km (21 miles)
  • Florence, 116 km
  • Siena, 73.4 km