A city of ancient and mysterious origins.

Perched high up on a hilltop stands the old and majestic town of Cortona, which can be clearly seen in all its splendour even from afar: a rare trait for a Tuscan town.

The ancient hamlets are in fact situated high up on a hillock from where the surrounding lands can be surveyed for miles around. It was for this reason that Italian villages were usually concealed from view behind fortress-like walls.

Cortona has been designed in a fan-shape on consecutive levels so as not to be hidden by its surrounding walls. In fact just the opposite is true: the walls seem to draw the levels together and push them upwards, offering visitors an unforgettable first glance. This certainly makes the town seem a very attractive place to visit, but before setting out on your tour it is advisable to get to know at least some of the main aspects of Cortona's past that characterise its abundant culture and art. Cortona boasts extremely old Umbrian and Etruscan Lucomonia origins (dating back to around the 6th century B.C.).

It was defeated at the hands of the Romans (who called it Corito) and was then invaded by the Goths during the 5th century. In the 13th century it declared itself a free-governing municipality and in the 14th century recognised the rule of the group of hamlets, which exercised its supremacy over the neighbouring towns.

Cortona's historical centre comprises Palazzo Comunale (1241) with its flight of steps leading up to the entrance and an embattled tower, Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo (1250) and Palazzo Pretorio (1268). In the immediate vicinity of the town centre are three religious buildings of note. The 11th century cathedral of SS.

Maria Assunta, the 13th century church of S. Agostino and the 13th century church of S. Francesco, with its impressive Gothic portal.

All around this district steep roads and streets branch off and promise unexpected views along the way. The sights constantly change depending on what building you happen to come across, whether it be from the early Medieval Ages, the 13th century or the Renaissance.

A local curiosity are the "porte del morto" (the doors of death) which can be found next to the entrances of some of the medieval palaces.

Narrow in structure and slightly raised off the ground they were used to carry coffins in and out of the palaces. An absolute must during your stay is a visit to the Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca (the Etruscan Museum) that houses many Etruscan artefacts from the 5th century B.C. Objects include the famous bronze "lampadario" (chandelier) with the head of Gorgon in its centre and fantastical animal embellishments (satyrs and sirens) and the extraordinarily beautiful "Musa Polimma", a beautiful fresco of Polymnia, the muse of song, believed to be from the Roman period.

The Museo Diocesano is made up of two churches built by Jesuits at the end of the 16th century. The most famous work of art housed here is L'Annunciazione" (The Annunciation) by Beato Angelico. At the very top of the town stand two impressive monuments.

The first is the 14th century Santuario di S. Margherita da Cortona (the sanctuary of S. Margherita from Cortona) containing the Gothic tomb of the saint herself. The second is the Fortezza Medicea (or Fortezza del Girifalco), built in 1556 on a rock, from where views over the Val di Chiana and Lake Trasimeno can be appreciated. Located on the outskirts of the town are the Etruscan tombs, known as "Tanella di Pitagora" (2nd century B.C.) in the district of Cannaia. There are also Etruscan tombs ad hypogeum from the 6th and 7th centuries B.C. in the locality of Sodo and the beautiful 16th century temple of S. Maria delle Grazie at Calcinaio.

The local cuisine in Cortona is made up of simple but genuine dishes. Of particular note are the panzanella (summer salad of tomatoes, basil, cucumber, onion and bread), crostini neri, galletto ai carboni (cockerel cooked over charcoals) and pici al sugo di ocio.