Cortona, Arts & Crafts Mecca

 

Made famous by Frances Maye’s novel, Under The Tuscan Sun, and the movie adaptation filmed here, Cortona is not only a small but stunning hilltop city, crowned by a Renaissance cathedral, it’s a mecca for arts and crafts shopping in Tuscany. The city, enclosed by stone walls dating back to Etruscan and Roman times, sits on the top of a hill about 600 meters (about 1968 feet) above sea level. This dominant position over the valley offers a spectacular view from all over the town of the surrounding valley.

 

On Via Nazionalle, which takes in almost the entire length of the city, you’ll find contemporary art, leatherwork, ceramics, jewelry, designer clothes, fabrics, local wines, handmade food, and much more. Dotted throughout, are lots of little cafés and restaurants, and in the narrow streets winding off from the main piazza there are plenty of great restaurants too.

 

Apart from shopping and eating, Cortona offers lots of interesting places to visit, among these the Diocesan Museum (where you can admire the famous ‘Annunciation’ panel painting by Fra Angelico) and the MAEC (The Etruscan Academy Museum of the City of Cortona), which houses artifacts found in Eruscan archeological sites in the area.

 

You shouldn't  miss a visit to the beautiful Santa Margherita Sanctuary, patron of the city, and to the Girifalco Fortress. Both are on the highest point on the hill and are easy to reach after a short, uphill walk. Following the path that follows the city walls, you can also enjoy a beautiful view over the surrounding countryside.

 

Cortona has a host of festivals throughout the year, among these are the famous the Sagra Della Bistecca, or the Steak Festival (mid-August) at which you can eat steaks cooked in the traditional Tuscan style; the Archidado joust, historical re-enactment of the medieval games and parade; and the Mostra Antiquaria (last week in August, first in September), one of the most important antique furniture fairs in Europe, with exhibitors specially selected by the organisers each year. 

 

Driving time: 1hour