Cortona Antiques Fair
Italy's oldest continuous antique fair held in August, featuring rare furniture, paintings, and collectibles.
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Cortona
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ℹ️Practical info — Cortona
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Park outside the city walls (e.g., Piazzale Garibaldi) as the historic center is car-free and very steep.
- The town is famous for its steep streets; comfortable walking shoes are an absolute must.
- Enjoy a panoramic sunset over the Valdichiana valley from Piazza Garibaldi.
- Since Cortona is quite popular, try to visit early in the morning to beat the crowds.
- Explore the MAEC museum to learn about the fascinating Etruscan history of the town.
🍽 Food
🍽
Pici
Thick, hand-rolled pasta. Try them at the traditional osterias in the historic center.
🍽
Chianina beef
Excellent local meat, well-suited as a steak (bistecca). Look for it in cozy trattorias.
🍽
Syrah wine
Cortona is renowned for its Syrah. Taste it at a local enoteca along Via Nazionale.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Via Nazionale
The only flat street in town, well-suited for strolling and shopping for leather goods.
🛍
Handmade ceramics
You can find traditional Tuscan ceramics in the small boutiques in the center.
🧘
Fortezza del Girifalco
An old fortress at the top of the hill with a peaceful park and panoramic views.
🧘
Convento delle Celle
A quiet Franciscan hermitage just outside the city, surrounded by nature.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
6
Florentine Steak Festival
Famous food festival in August celebrating the Chianina beef steak with giant outdoor grills and local wine.
Cortona Mix Festival
Summer festival in July featuring a vibrant mix of literature, music, theater, and cinema.
Cortona On The Move Photography Festival
International contemporary photography festival starting in July, showcasing exhibitions across historic venues in town.
Archidado Joust
Historical reenactment in June featuring a crossbow tournament, medieval costumes, and street festivities.
Feast of Saint Margaret
Annual religious festival in February celebrating the patron saint of Cortona with processions and masses.
Cortona is a magnificent hilltop town in eastern Tuscany, perched 600 meters above sea level with commanding views over the Val di Chiana. As one of the twelve ancient cities of the Etruscan League, it features a history spanning over 2,500 years, evident in its massive cyclopean walls and the prestigious Museum of the Etruscan Academy. The town's narrow, uphill streets are lined with medieval stone houses and Renaissance palaces, leading to the spirited Piazza Signorelli. While historically significant, Cortona gained modern fame as the setting for the memoir 'Under the Tuscan Sun'. Beyond its literary ties, the town remains a hub of art and spirituality, housing masterpieces by Fra Angelico and offering a timeless atmosphere of Italian rural elegance and historical depth.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Piazza della Repubblica · Basilica di Santa Margherita · Fortezza di Girifalco
- Nearby: Arezzo (23 km)
- Population: ~21.800
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 60 | 66 | 66 | 61 | 64 | 41 | 32 | 41 | 72 | 85 | 106 | 82 |
Live webcam – Cortona
See what it looks like near Cortona right now.
Cortona › South-east · 2.4 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- The Etruscan walls stretch for 3 km
- Palazzo Comunale dates back to 1236
- Fra Angelico's Annunciation is in the museum
- Etruscan findings date back to the 8th century BC
- Home and resting place of Saint Margaret of Cortona
- Located on the border of Tuscany and Umbria
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→16:431.2 km walk8 places0/8
Day budget: ≈ 22–30 €Entries 26€ · Transport 0€
Start at the bustling Piazza della Repubblica in the heart of Cortona. Visit the Duomo and the adjacent Diocesan Museum. At midday, delve deep into Etruscan history at MAEC, which shaped this region. In the afternoon, a steady climb leads you past the Church of San Francesco to the Basilica of Santa Margherita. Finish your walk at the Girifalco Fortress to witness the sunset over Lake Trasimeno.
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09:00→16:431.2 km walk8 places0/8
Day budget: ≈ 22–30 €Entries 26€ · Transport 0€
Start your day under the protective loggias of Piazza della Repubblica. Use the rain as an excuse for an extended visit to the Diocesan Museum and the MAEC's Etruscan treasures. Afternoon is best spent in the dry, quiet interiors of Cortona's churches. Take extra care on the steep climb to Santa Margherita, as the wet cobblestones can be quite slippery.
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09:10 · 47'
Piazza della Repubblica
Use the Palazzo Comunale arcades as a convenient rain shelter.
🚶 4'0.03 km
🚶 7'0.19 km
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10:55 · 47'
Cortona Cathedral
A spacious interior, convenient for waiting out a heavy downpour.
🚶 5'0.08 km
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11:47 · 47'
Diocesan Museum
First-rate indoor spot for rainy midday hours; cloakroom available.
🚶 5'0.12 km
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12:39 · 47'
MAEC - Museum of the Etruscan Academy
Vast exhibition spaces provide hours of dry indoor exploration.
🚶 7'0.18 km
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13:33 · 47'
Church of San Francesco
Visit the relics within the dry and peaceful church interior.
🚶 11'0.4 km
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14:31 · 47'
Basilica of Santa Margherita
Caution on the climb; the steep paths are slick when wet.
🚶 8'0.24 km
09:00→16:431.2 km walk8 places0/8
Day budget: ≈ 22–30 €Entries 26€ · Transport 0€
Enjoy the crisp winter air and the peaceful atmosphere of the low season. Museums offer cozy warmth while you delve into local history. Aim to reach Santa Margherita in the early afternoon to catch the golden light before the early sunset around 4:45 PM. End your evening with a glass of local wine in a heated enoteca near the main square.
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09:10 · 47'
Piazza della Repubblica
Grab a hot chocolate at one of the cozy cafes on the square.
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12:39 · 47'
MAEC - Museum of the Etruscan Academy
A well-suited place to warm up for a couple of hours.
🚶 7'0.18 km
🚶 11'0.4 km
🚶 8'0.24 km
09:00→14:441.5 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 26–35 €Entries 18€ · Transport 12€
Start at the Belvedere viewpoint and cycle to the historic churches. A stop at the main square is a must before dedicating yourself to culture at MAEC. Visit the Duomo and enjoy the cool breeze in the streets. The finish at Santa Margherita offers the best reward after the climb.
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11:42 · 47'
MAEC - Museum of the Etruscan Academy
Park the bike safely in front of the entrance.
🚲 4'0.2 km
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09:00→14:441.5 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 26–35 €Entries 18€ · Transport 12€
Cycling in the rain requires caution on Cortona's steep alleys. Start at the Belvedere for a quick view before seeking shelter in churches and museums. The MAEC offers a perfect long break while it rains outside. Watch your braking distance on wet cobblestones when heading towards the Basilica.
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🚲 4'0.24 km
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10:52 · 47'
Piazza della Repubblica
The cobblestones in the square are extremely slick when wet.
🚲 3'0.08 km
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11:42 · 47'
MAEC - Museum of the Etruscan Academy
First-rate for a long rain break away from your bike.
🚲 4'0.2 km
🚲 7'0.69 km
09:00→14:441.5 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 26–35 €Entries 18€ · Transport 12€
Winter cycling in Cortona means empty roads and cool breezes. Enjoy the Belvedere views before warming up in the museums. Short daylight hours mean you should reach Santa Margherita by 4:15 PM at the latest. Descents can be very frosty due to wind chill – gloves are absolutely essential.
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09:10 · 47'
Belvedere di Cortona
Impressive winter panorama; watch out for possible black ice.
🚲 4'0.24 km
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11:42 · 47'
MAEC - Museum of the Etruscan Academy
Use the cloakroom for your heavy winter cycling gear.
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13:27 · 47'
Basilica of Santa Margherita
Enjoy the last light; it gets very cold very quickly after.
09:00→14:452.4 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 17–23 €Entries 20€ · Transport 0€
Drive first to the secluded Eremo Le Celle to enjoy the peace. Afterward, head up to the Girifalco Fortress. Visit the Basilica of Santa Margherita before driving down to MAEC in the town. Enjoy the atmosphere of the main square and a coffee. Say goodbye to Cortona with the wide view from the Belvedere.
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🚗 7'1.14 km
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09:00→14:452.4 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 17–23 €Entries 20€ · Transport 0€
By car, Cortona is easy to explore even in the rain. Visit the secluded Eremo Le Celle, which feels especially atmospheric during a downpour. The Girifalco Fortress offers dramatic views over the misty Chiana Valley. Park in the designated lots and use the escalators to reach the center while staying dry.
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🚗 7'1.14 km
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10:55 · 47'
Basilica of Santa Margherita
Good parking options are available right in front of the Basilica.
🚗 5'0.57 km
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11:47 · 47'
MAEC - Museum of the Etruscan Academy
Park in the 'Spirito Santo' lot and use the public lift.
🚗 3'0.08 km
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12:37 · 47'
Piazza della Repubblica
Access is restricted; use the designated nearby parking areas.
🚗 4'0.35 km
09:00→14:452.4 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 17–23 €Entries 20€ · Transport 0€
Visiting Cortona by car in winter allows for flexible movement between sites. Eremo Le Celle radiates a unique monastic peace. From the Girifalco Fortress, the crisp winter air offers the clearest distant views. Watch out for potential ice on the shaded hairpin turns leading up to the town.
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🚗 7'1.14 km
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10:55 · 47'
Basilica of Santa Margherita
The parking lot is often icy; be careful when stepping out.
🚗 5'0.57 km
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11:47 · 47'
MAEC - Museum of the Etruscan Academy
Leave heavy coats in the car if parking at a nearby lot.
🚗 3'0.08 km
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12:37 · 47'
Piazza della Repubblica
The evening lights look especially festive during the winter.
🚗 4'0.35 km
🧰 Tools at hand▼
🗣️ Language quick-tip
Italian dominates; many English-speaking tourists due to 'Under the Tuscan Sun', English good in restaurants and hotels.
Sights in the town Cortona (11)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Cortona world-famous?
Due to the book and movie 'Under the Tuscan Sun' by Frances Mayes.
Are there Etruscan ruins?
Yes, there are ancient Etruscan walls and a major Etruscan museum (MAEC).
Is Cortona hilly?
Yes, the town is very steep; comfortable walking shoes are a must.
What kind of view does it offer?
It features sweeping views over the Val di Chiana and towards Lake Trasimeno.
Are there parking spaces in the center?
No, park outside the city walls in lots like Piazza Mercato and take the escalator.
Cortona: where is it located?
Cortona is located in Italy.
Cortona: what is there to see?
Highlights include Piazza della Repubblica, Basilica di Santa Margherita, Fortezza di Girifalco.
Cortona: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Cortona: why is it worth visiting?
Cortona is a magnificent hilltop town in eastern Tuscany, perched 600 meters above sea level with commanding views over the Val di Chiana.
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