Cortona Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Tuscan region in Italy, lies the charming town of Cortona. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views, Cortona is a hidden gem that offers a truly unforgettable experience for travelers.

Stepping into Cortona feels like stepping back in time. The town's ancient walls and narrow cobblestone streets are lined with medieval buildings, creating a captivating atmosphere that transports visitors to another era. As you wander through the town, you'll discover charming piazzas, quaint shops selling local crafts, and inviting cafes where you can indulge in the region's delicious cuisine.

One of the highlights of Cortona is its magnificent Duomo, or Cathedral. Dating back to the 13th century, this architectural masterpiece showcases a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Inside, you'll find stunning frescoes and intricate artwork that tell the stories of Cortona's past.

For art enthusiasts, a visit to the Museo Diocesano is a must. Housed in the former Church of Gesù, this museum boasts an impressive collection of religious art, including works by renowned Italian artists such as Fra Angelico and Luca Signorelli. As you explore the museum, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the region's artistic heritage.

Nature lovers will be in awe of the breathtaking views that surround Cortona. Perched on a hilltop, the town offers panoramic vistas of the rolling Tuscan countryside, with its vineyards, olive groves, and picturesque farmhouses. Take a leisurely stroll outside the town walls and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the landscape.

Cortona also serves as a gateway to the nearby Lake Trasimeno, the fourth largest lake in Italy. Here, you can enjoy a variety of water activities, such as boating, swimming, and fishing. The lake's idyllic setting, surrounded by lush green hills, provides the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation and exploration.

Alternative names: Population: 22.1 thous.Area: 132.42 mi²Elevation: 1663 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 43°16'30"N, 11°59'8"E

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TuscanyItaly

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Cortona Top Attractions

Cortona Attractions - What to See and Explore

Cortona offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Santa Margherita, Convent de Le Celle, The Cathedral, San Cristoforo. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Santa Margherita
Basilica of Santa Margherita is a Neo-gothic style, Roman Catholic church, located just outside the Tuscan town of Cortona, Italy, at the intersection of Via delle Santucce and Via Sant Margherita, on a hill just below the Fortezza Medicea, and dedicated to a native saint of town, Margaret of Cortona.
Monastery
Convent de Le Celle
The Convent de Le Celle is a 13th-century Franciscan Convent located in Le Celle, just outside Cortona, region of Tuscany, Italy. It is also referred to as the Convento delle Celle or Eremo Le Celle.
Church • Sacred and religious sites
The Cathedral
Cortona Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Cortona, Tuscany, central Italy, dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Church • Romanesque architecture
San Cristoforo
San Cristoforo is a small, Roman Catholic church located at the intersection of Via San Niccolò and Via dell’Orto della Cera, in central Cortona, Province of Arezzo, region of Tuscany in Italy.
Specialty museum • Art museum • Museum
Diocesan Museum
The Diocesan Museum in Cortona is an art museum in Cortona, Tuscany, Italy. Located on the former site of the local Church of Gesù, it houses works of art by artists such as Fra Angelico, Pietro Lorenzetti, Bartolomeo della Gatta, Luca Signorelli and Sassetta.
Church
Santa Maria Nuova
The church of Santa Maria Nuova is a Roman Catholic place of worship, located just outside the walls of the town of Cortona, in Tuscany, Italy.
Church • Sacred and religious sites • Gothic architecture
San Domenico Church
San Domenico is a Gothic-style, Roman Catholic church located on via Berrettini in Cortona, region of Tuscany, Italy.
Church • Sacred and religious sites
San Francesco
San Francesco is a 13th-century, Roman Catholic church located on via Berrettini in Cortona, region of Tuscany, Italy.
Church • Baroque architecture
Spirito Santo
The Church of the Holy Spirit or Chiesa dello Spirito Santo is a 17th-century, Roman Catholic church built just outside the medieval walls of Cortona, region of Tuscany, Italy.
Church
Church of Holy Mary of Grace
The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie al Calcinaio is a Catholic house of worship located in Calcinaio in Cortona, in the province of Arezzo.
43°17'37"N • 12°0'4"E
Eremo Le Celle
Church • Historical place • Sacred and religious sites
43°16'26"N • 11°59'3"E
San Agostino
Church
Church • Baroque architecture
San Filippo Neri
San Filippo Neri is a 17th-century, Roman Catholic church located on Via Roma in the city of Cortona, Province of Arezzo, region of Tuscany, Italy.
43°16'30"N • 11°59'6"E
Palazzo Comunale
City hall
43°16'33"N • 11°59'24"E
San Niccolò
Church • Sacred and religious sites
Church
Sant'Agata in Cantalena
Sant'Agata in Cantalena, a frazione of the town of Cortona in Province of Arezzo, is an ancient Roman-Catholic church, built during the early Renaissance. The church was founded in 1274–1275, and rebuilt in 1426, when it was made a parish church.
43°16'31"N • 11°59'6"E
Piazza Signorelli
Universities and schools

Day trips

Cortona – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Cortona, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Palazzo dei Priori (Perugia), Abbey of Sant'Antimo (Montalcino), Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria (Perugia).

23 milesSE
Palace, Gothic architecture, Architecture
Palazzo dei Priori, Perugia
The Palazzo dei Priori, nestled in the heart of Perugia, Italy, is a quintessential example of Italian medieval architecture and stands as a testament to the city's rich history. Dating back to the 13th century, this palatial structure has served as the seat of civic...
30 milesSW
Historic abbey with prayer
Abbey of Sant'Antimo, Montalcino
Nestled in the serene Tuscan countryside near the town of Montalcino, the Abbey of Sant'Antimo stands as a testament to Italy's rich monastic history. This former Benedictine monastery, characterized by its striking Romanesque architecture, invites visitors to step...
23 milesSE
Local artworks in medieval palace
Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, Perugia
Nestled in the heart of Perugia, Italy, the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria is a treasure trove of Italian art, offering an in-depth look into the region's cultural and artistic history. Housed in the grand Palazzo dei Priori, this museum showcases a vast collection...
23 milesSE
Medieval fountain with fancy reliefs
Fontana Maggiore, Perugia
The Fontana Maggiore is a pivotal historical landmark nestled in the heart of Perugia, Italy. Constructed between 1275 and 1278, this medieval fountain is not merely a source of water but a monument rich with artistic and cultural significance.
22 milesSE
Sport venue, Arenas and stadiums, Football
Stadio Renato Curi, Perugia
The Stadio Renato Curi is a football stadium in the Italian city of Perugia. It is home to A.C. Perugia Calcio. The stadium is named after Renato Curi, who died from a heart attack during a game against Juventus on 30 October 1977.