Free walking tours in Cortona and what to see

Must-sees

Cortona looks out from a hill over the Valdichiana, in eastern Tuscany near the border with Umbria. It was an important Etruscan city and keeps a medieval look, with steep streets climbing to the Fortezza del Girifalco. The centre is Piazza della Repubblica, built over the old Roman forum, with the Palazzo Comunale and the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo. Next door, in Piazza Signorelli, the MAEC brings together Etruscan pieces such as a large bronze lamp and the Tabula Cortonensis, plus an Egyptian collection.

The Diocesan Museum has Fra Angelico's Annunciation and works by Luca Signorelli, who was born in the town. It is worth going into the church of San Francesco and climbing to the basilica of Santa Margherita, Cortona's patron saint. From Piazza Garibaldi the view takes in the plain and Lake Trasimeno. Outside the walls are the Renaissance sanctuary of Santa Maria del Calcinaio and, about five kilometres away, the Le Celle hermitage, linked to St Francis.

Free tours and guided visits

Cortona has no regular free walking tours. Civitatis offers a private guided tour of the centre, covering the squares, churches and medieval corners at your own pace. If you prefer to go it alone, the museums are easy to visit on your own, and the town fits well into a driving route through the Valdichiana with Montepulciano or Lake Trasimeno.

How long to spend

For the historic centre, the MAEC and the Diocesan Museum allow a full day, because the hills are tiring and it is best not to rush. If you want to climb to the fortress, go down to the Calcinaio and get out to Le Celle, better stay two days. The sunset from Piazza Garibaldi is a fine way to end either of them.

Where to stay

Staying inside the walls lets you stroll the streets once the day visitors have left, although the car stays in the car parks outside and some of the hills are hard going with a suitcase. Down below, in Camucia, there is more choice and a railway station. If you are driving, the agriturismi and country houses in the countryside are another good option.