Cortona Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Cortona showing farmland
Climb up the winding narrow streets of this hilltop town and admire gorgeous vistas of verdant Tuscan valleys from elevated vantage points.

A stone wall encloses the red-roofed medieval buildings that make up the hilltop settlement of Cortona, a cultural hub in the Val di Chiana region. Explore centuries-old churches and enjoy superb views of the scenic Val di Chiana countryside.

Ask locals about some of the stories associated with the town. Legend has it that Cortona was built by a descendent of the biblical figure Noah many years after the Great Flood. The location was chosen because of its high elevation and picturesque views.

Among the most famous landmarks in town is the Cathedral of Cortona, a Renaissance structure that was built over an earlier Romanesque church. Enter to see the beautifully carved 17th-century altars and the religious paintings in the choir.

Just south of the town center is the Santa Maria delle Grazie al Calcinaio church, which was constructed during the late 15th and early 16th century. Admire the Latin cross plan layout, the Renaissance design of the central dome and the pretty surrounding olive trees. The church of Santa Maria Nuova, which was built in the 16th and 17th centuries, features a Baroque-style dome.

Head to the central Piazza della Repubblica, a town square lined with historic buildings. Relax at one of the cafés here and survey the 13th-century Palazzo Comunale and the elegant clock tower.

Learn about the local culture at the Museo Diocesano Del Capitolo art museum and the Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca, which contains relics from Etruscan and Roman times.

Drive south from Arezzo for 19 miles (31 kilometers) to reach Cortona, which is in the southeastern part of Tuscany. Fly to either Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi – Umbria International Airport or Florence Airport. Trains run directly from Rome, Florence and Arezzo. Expect hot weather from May to September and cold winters.

With delightful country views and medieval relics, Cortona is among the most appealing of Tuscany’s many charming hill towns.

Where to stay in Cortona

Cortona

Cortona Old Town

5/5(8 area reviews)

Cortona Old Town is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Belvedere and Piazza della Repubblica.

Cortona Old Town
Borgo Il Melone
Borgo Il Melone
4 out of 5
Case Sparse, 38, Localita Il Sodo, Cortona, AR
The price is ₹6,074 per night from 13 May to 14 May
₹6,074
per night
13 May - 14 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking.
8.6/10 Excellent! (228 reviews)
"Beautiful oasis surrounded by olive groves and Cyprus’s. Great staff in lobby and breakfast service- grazie Filipo and Micheal. Very clean spacious rooms with great shower."

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2024

Borgo Il Melone
Monastero di Cortona Hotel & Spa
Monastero di Cortona Hotel & Spa
5 out of 5
Via del Salvatore, Cortona
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹30,576 per night from 26 May to 27 May
₹30,576
per night
26 May - 27 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (165 reviews)
A wonderful hotel
"This is a wonderful hotel in every way: a beautiful building in an amazing location; excellent food at breakfast and dinner; a lovely, comfortable room and, most importantly, kind, welcoming and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

Monastero di Cortona Hotel & Spa
Villa di Piazzano - Small Luxury Hotel of the World
Villa di Piazzano - Small Luxury Hotel of the World
5 out of 5
Localita Piazzano, C.P. 6, Cortona, AR
The price is ₹41,704 per night from 13 May to 14 May
₹41,704
per night
13 May - 14 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (173 reviews)
"The hotel stuff are super friendly, you gonna get to play with Jack (owner’s dog)!"

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2024

Villa di Piazzano - Small Luxury Hotel of the World
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hu Firenze Camping In Town
Hu Firenze Camping In Town
Via Generale Dalla Chiesa, 1-3, Florence, FI
Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (945 reviews)
"It's a 45 euro cab ride from the Florence airport, but it's so much better than staying in the city!. First of all, Florence traffic and tourism is a bit bonkers, so when you see people lugging their suitcases over cobblestone streets while hundreds of people flow past them every minute and cars ..."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Hu Firenze Camping In Town
Forte16
Forte16
Viale Antonio Gramsci 16, Florence, FI
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (669 reviews)
"Great property - clean, amazing location and spacious room!"

Reviewed on 25 Apr 2024

Forte16
Rivalta Hotel - Alfieri Collezione
Rivalta Hotel - Alfieri Collezione
4 out of 5
Lungarno Corsini 2, Florence
Stay at this apartment in Florence. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (212 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay Excellent location Very friendly and helpful staff"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Rivalta Hotel - Alfieri Collezione
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Cortona

4.9
Top destination
5 - Excellent
8
" "5 - Excellent 88.88888888888889%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 11.11111111111111%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
23 Oct 2019

Wonderful town, well wotrh a visit. Be aware that it is a steep walk up to the centre.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Jun 2019

Lovely town, beautiful walkways and stunning views, great selection of quaint shops from leather bags to truffles

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 May 2019

Amazing location in southern tuscany, great wineries, lovely old medieval town, great restaurants, and amazingly friendly people

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