Cortona is another walled Etruscan town about 60 miles from Colle. It took 2 ½ hours to get there. Cortona is the home of Bramasole of Under the Tuscan Sun. Cortona overlooks Lake Trasimino—the lake of three islands, only one of which is inhabited. This is the fourth largest lake in Italy. It is on the border of Tuscany and Perugia.
An interesting legend dates the founding of Cortona back to the great flood. The legend states that 108 years after the Great Flood, Noah entered the Val di Chiana via the Tiber and Paglia rivers. He preferred this place in Italy, because it was so fertile, and lived there for thirty years. One of Noah’s descendants was his son Crano. When he came to the hilltop he liked the high position, the fine countryside, and the calm air, so he built the city of Cortona on it in 273 years after the Great Flood.However, Cortona dates from the Etruscan period in the 8th Century BCE. It became a Roman Colony in 310 BCE. During the Middle Ages, it flourished as a trading center. During the Renaissance, it became known for its art and architecture, especially the artists Luca Signorella, Pietro da Cortona, and Lorenzelli.
Before our tour of the town, we went to Alla Corte del Sole in Castiglione del Lago for an early lunch. Alle Corte del Sole was originally a 13th century Monastery of the order of St. Stephen, which has been converted into a resort. It is situated on a high hill with beautiful views of the surrounding area and Lake Trasimeno. The grounds are lovely with olive trees and bougainvillea. We had prosecco and antipasti in the garden while we learned of the area’s history and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings. Then we went into the dining room for a delicious three course lunch.
After lunch we spent the rest of the day in Cortona; we strolled through piazzas and past palazzi. Our first stop was the Romanesque and Gothic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of Mary in the Piazza del Duomo.. It was built between 1481 and 1507 over the remains of an ancient Roman temple from the 11th century. It has been added to and changed over the years and contains several important Medieval and Renaissance art works. Next to the Cathedral is the Diocesan museum which exhibits art from churches throughout the area. It is the art gallery of Cortona.
Next we went to the Piazza della Repubblica, in the center of town. It is built on the slopes of the hill and is still surrounded by well-preserved walls. On the east side of the Piazza is the Palazzo del Popolo (town hall). The west side of the square is dominated by the imposing Palazzo Comunale, which was already in existence in 1241 but was rebuilt in 1275, enlarged in the 16th century, and then restored in 1896. The front of the palazzo has a clock-tower (1509) and the flight of steps (also 16th century) leading up to it. Walking from one Piazza to the next the narrow, winding streets kept me in the Medieval mindset.
To the northwest of the Town Hall in Cortona is the Piazza Signorelli, with the Palazzo Pretorio, the facade of which bears the coats of arms of former podestàs (magistrates); it now houses the Accademia Etrusca (founded 1726) and the Museum of Etruscan Antiquities. This museum housed Etruscan archaeological relics as well as Etruscan, Greek, Roman, and Egyptian works of art and gems. Also in this Piazza is the Teatro Signorelli
We were surprised and fortunate that a Medieval festival with jesters, flag routines, etc. was occurring during our visit. We discovered this was the annual Tournament of the Owl. People were dressed in Medieval costumes, and there was a parade. We shopped and watched the activities and wandered through all the kiosks of crafts and food that were set up. This was a fun way to end our day in Cortona.
Next is San Gimignano.
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