Cortona

The city that Virgil wanted founded from the mythical Dardano.

The city subsequently became Umbrian, Etruscan and Roman, and then in 1200, it became a free commune under Uguccio Casali.

The medieval history of Cortona ended with its annexation first to the Florentine Republic and then to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

There are more than 2000 years of history found in Cortona, which makes it one of the most unique and fascinating cities in central Italy.

Built on a buttress of Mount Egidio with the Medici Fortress above, Cortona has steep streets, pavement made of large slabs of stone, and numerous palaces dating from the days of the original commune and the Renaissance.

To reach Cortona, take the highway Sole A.1, exit at the tollgate of Bettolle - Valdichiana for Rome or Florence or the highway links for Perugia and for Siena. Cortona can also be reached by railway using the station of Terontola.

It would be difficult to make even a quick visit to Cortona in less than two days, and four days should be considered if you want to visit nearby places of interest.

Given the central location of Cortona, the city could be comfortably used as a base for visiting other places in central Italy either by car or train.