Location: Cortona
Top Things to do in Cortona
The 7 Best Historic Sites in Cortona, Tuscany
Perhaps best known these days as the setting for the book and movie “Under the Tuscan Sun,” gorgeous hillside Cortona has a long history dating back even before its time as an important Etruscan center. Top attractions include the Duomo (Cathedral), the small Museo Diocesano across the piazza with its superb art collection, and the fascinating Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca with its assembly of Etruscan and Roman era items. Cortona is also bursting with splendid churches spanning many periods.
Restaurants in Cortona
1. Eremo Le Celle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,203 reviews
Reviewed By Borzov - Rijeka, Croatia
Hermitage of Le Celle, founded in the 13th century by Saint Francis and extended by his successor, Brother Elias, is a humble and simple monastery, built in a true spirit of the Franciscan order. The name “Celle” came from the small hermit houses built in the wholes of the mountain. It is a beautiful, calm and peaceful place, historical monument and a pleasant sight.
2. Cimitero della Misericordia
3. Abbazia Farneta
4. Tanella di Pitagora
5. Mura etrusche
6. Fortezza di Girifalco
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By Bede-Are
Travelling from Roma to Venezia we wanted to stop and enjoy something new in Tuscany. On previous trips we've been to Firenze, Lucca, Pisa, Sienna - and, wanted to avoid the crowds but still enjoy a worthwhile experience. Cortona was it. We spent the better part of the day simply walking around enjoying the narrow streets, the many splendid views, the churches, etc. - but, weren't too sure we had time to walk as far as the Fortezza di Girifalco. We arrived at the Fortezza in time for an opening gala, which included tapas, drinks, a DJ providing music, a large photo exhibit and access to the entire fortress, the walls and the grounds. So, it was perfect timing to arrive just after the fortress was closed . . . . . . we had a very enjoyable experience enjoying the music, the art, the food and the spectacular sunset - with the local and visiting arsty/culture crowd. The walk from the Duomo di Cortona through town, stopping at the Basilica di Santa and the adjacent Convento was very pleasant; and, the return into town via Via S. Margherita even more so.
