Discover Cortona: History and Culture

Cortona combines its Etruscan heritage with buildings and religious sites from different periods. As you plan your trip, consider which topics interest you most: archaeological evidence, art collections, the city’s history, or Franciscan traditions.

Etruscan Heritage and Cortona’s Architectural History

In the Sodo district at the foot of Cortona lies the Sodo archaeological area. It includes the Etruscan Archaic Tumulus I of Sodo and adds a glimpse of the region’s earlier history to the city’s historic buildings.

The Fortezza del Girifalco stands prominently above the hill of Cortona. The architect Serbelloni built it in 1561 on behalf of Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici. Today, the fortress is used as a historic venue for contemporary art exhibitions. It therefore brings together a specific architectural history and a later cultural use.

Palazzo Casali also takes visitors through several chapters of the city’s history. The Casali family had it built in the 13th century. During Cortona’s period under their rule, from 1325 to 1409, it served as the family’s official residence. Its two underground floors, formerly used as prisons, now house the Museo della Città Etrusca e Romana di Cortona. The rooms’ former function and their current use as a museum are clearly distinct.

Cortona’s Diocesan Museum is located in the Complesso del Gesù, built between 1498 and 1505. The works preserved there include paintings on wooden panels and canvas, as well as Beato Angelico’s “Annunciation.” A visit to the museum thus connects the history of a building complex with specific examples of sacred art.

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. Its bell tower dates from 1566 and is the work of Francesco Laparelli, an architect from Cortona. The different elements therefore point to historical layers that can be read in the cathedral.

Franciscan Sites and Religious Traditions

Le Celle is one of the first Franciscan hermitages and among the settlements chosen and desired by Francis of Assisi. The hermitage is also considered an important pilgrimage site for the saint’s followers. Those interested in Franciscan history will find a different perspective here from that offered by the collections and buildings in the city.

The Basilica of Santa Margherita stands in an elevated position on the edge of Cortona’s historic old town. Above the high altar, an embossed silver frame in an urn holds the body of Saint Margaret. Her liturgical feast day on February 22 is a major celebration for Cortona and the entire diocese. The basilica and the feast day make religious tradition visible both in a specific place and on the calendar.

Plan Your Cultural Visit and Journey

Organ music is also part of Cortona’s cultural history: since 2000, the Associazione Organi Storici Cortona has organized an annual concert series featuring organ works as well as music for organ and other instruments. If music is a focus of your trip, this recurring series may be worth considering as you plan; check the current concert dates for a specific visit.

For train travel, consider the Terontola or Camucia stations. From there, Cortona can be reached by taxi or by buses operated by Tiemme or Autolinee Toscane. Bus services to Cortona also run from Arezzo and Castiglion Fiorentino. Since transport services may change, check current connections before setting off. This lets you consider cultural interests and travel arrangements as separate aspects of your hotel and trip planning.

Discover more destinations: Camucia, Pergo Di Cortona, Montanare, Monsigliolo, Chianacce, Terontola, Pietraia, Barullo-Centoia, Campaccio, Mercatale, Fratticciola, Riccio, Cegliolo, Ossaia, Sant'agata, Col Di Morro, Torreone.

For the regional travel overview: Arezzo.