Cortona in the Middle Ages
Almost all of the historical center of Cortona is of Medieval or Renaissance origin.
We recommend beginning a visit to Cortona at the Palazzo Comunale situated in the Piazza della Repubblica.
From there take the little street at the right of the stairway that will take you to Piazza Signorelli, the location of the Palazzo Casali, site of the Museum of the Etruscan Academy.
Walking in Piazza Signorelli plaza, Via Nationale, or Via Jannelli brings to mind the times when these roads saw battles between the Guelf and Ghibelline factions or between groups of local magnates.
The names of Uguccio Casali and his children, of Gugliemino, Bishop of the Uberti (first Guelf and then Ghibelline), and of Guido Tarlati, bishop and fierce nobleman of Arezzo (whom we remember today the soup named after him - Zuppa del Vescovo Tarlati - which can be eaten in Mount San Savino), have marked the history of the Cortona from February 1, 1258 (rout of the Ghibellines) to the Battle of Campaldino on June 11, 1289 (defeat of the Ghibellines) to 1409, the year in which Cortona lost its independence, capitulating to Ladislao, King of Naples, who would sell the city to the Florentines in 1411 for 60.000 florins.
Another jewel of medieval Cortona is the Fortezza of Girifalco, an ancient Medici fortress.
From this fortress which overhangs the city, you can see practically all the Val of Chiana as far as Monte Amiata and Monte Cetona. Beyond can be seen an interesting view of Lake Trasimeno.
While the present appearance of the fortress dates from its restoration in 1540 under Cosimo Medici, it is probably on the site of an existing fortress of Etruscan origin.
A visit to the fortress, which is recommended, is with fee.
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