Discover a charming Tuscan village called Cortona, located in the Valdichiana, a valley that stretches between Tuscany and Umbria. Perfectly preserved medieval architecture and deep Etruscan roots define this place. It captivates anyone who loves to travel slowly, with respect and curiosity.
Whether you are planning a weekend or a short rejuvenating vacation, Cortona is the ideal place for a green trip among history, tradition, and timeless landscapes. Walking through its streets means immersing yourself in an authentic atmosphere, where the local culture harmoniously intertwines with the surrounding nature.
Don’t know where to start? Here’s a selection of must-see places and events to discover Cortona sustainably, experiencing the village step by step.
The Charm of the Historic Center
To truly know Cortona, the best way is to get lost in its historic center. The ancient walls, the stone streets, and the panoramic views tell centuries of history.
During your walking itinerary, don’t miss:
- Piazza della Repubblica, the pulsating heart of the village
- Palazzo Comunale, a symbol of medieval civic power
- Piazza della Loggetta, where the picturesque Palazzo Passerini stands, a typical building of medieval municipalities
Just a few steps away is Piazza Signorelli, one of the main artistic and cultural landmarks of Cortona. Here and in other squares in the center, there are often weekly markets, perfect for purchasing local, seasonal, and zero-kilometer products, supporting the local economy.
A Journey into Etruscan Civilization: the MAEC
A fundamental stop to admire the beauty of Etruscan civilization is certainly the MAEC – Museum of the Etruscan Academy and the City of Cortona. The exhibition halls of this museum host rich collections that gather materials found in the territory of Cortona from the 19th century to the present day.
The building develops over four floors, two of which are underground, and is characterized by a heterogeneity of exhibited materials that allow visitors to fully enter the magnificent history of Cortona.
The Fortress of Girifalco: History with a View
The Girifalco Fortress is a monumental complex dating back to around 1200 and it stands on a panoramic point of Cortona, offering a breathtaking view of the village.
A place of culture, it encloses within its walls history and secular tradition. Thanks to various restoration interventions, today the Fortress has also transformed into a cultural space. Inside, temporary exhibitions, events, and cultural manifestations are often organized.
Tuscan Art at the Diocesan Museum
The Diocesan Museum of Cortona was created at the end of World War II and is located within an old religious complex, the Church of Jesus. The complex was established to protect and preserve the extraordinary masterpieces from the churches and convents of Cortona.
This museum is truly a little gem that safeguards beautiful works of art and culture by various artists, such as Luca Signorelli and Beato Angelico. It houses an immense artistic and cultural heritage that is definitely worth visiting and getting to know.
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
During your journey to discover the territory of Cortona, another point that is certainly worth visiting is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
Another must-see stop, especially from a historical-cultural perspective, is this church built on the ruins of a Roman temple. Some remains of the original structure are still partially visible on the facade of the building and testify to its previous presence.
Inside this church, you can also find wonderful works of art that make the interior of the building even more elegant and solemn.
A Novel-Worthy Building: Villa Bramasole
Tuscany has often been the subject of cinematographic works and literary works, such as in the autobiographical book by American writer Frances Mayes “Under the Tuscan Sun,” set in the village of Cortona.
Accessible on foot, this 19th-century villa, mentioned in the writer’s novel, is named ‘Bramasole’. This name derives from the fact that it is located to the East and only catches the morning sun, while in the afternoon the hill behind blocks the sunlight, and therefore the Villa longs for it for most of the day.
It is undoubtedly worth a visit for its beauty, both inside and out, reminding us of the pleasure of simple life marked by the rhythms of the countryside with its scents and sounds.
Archaeological Park of Sodo
The recently established archaeological park hosts two tumuli from the archaic age, containing Etruscan tombs dating back to the 6th century, belonging to Etruscan princes.
A site of notable archaeological interest where initiatives and activities suitable for all ages, for adults and children, are organized throughout the year.
Unmissable Events in Cortona: Giostra dell’Archidado and Cortona On The Move
Throughout the year, Cortona comes alive thanks to major events:
- Giostra dell’Archidado: a suggestive medieval reenactment that takes place between May and June, bringing the village back in time through costumes, colors, and traditions.
- Cortona On The Move: an international contemporary photography festival that enlivens the Cortona summer with widespread exhibitions, meetings, and installations.
Both events enhance the cultural heritage of the village and actively involve the local community.
Where to Stay Green in Cortona and Surroundings
If you choose Cortona as a destination for a sustainable vacation, accommodation also becomes an integral part of the experience. In fact, this territory between Tuscany and Umbria offers various eco-friendly structures that combine respect for the environment, recovery of historical heritage, and deep appreciation of the landscape.
Convento di Novole
Nestled among the hills just a few kilometers from Cortona, the Convento di Novole invites you to slow down. Here you sleep within the walls of an ancient 15th-century complex, surrounded by greenery, with the possibility to explore the territory on foot or by bicycle. Moreover, the historic buildings, now independent apartments, offer simple and authentic hospitality. The small organic farm makes the experience even more genuine. An ideal place for those seeking silence, nature, and a truly sustainable vacation.
Relais Borgo Torale
Staying at the Relais Borgo Torale means being enchanted by the views of Lake Trasimeno, half an hour from Cortona. The panoramic apartments, converted from a 17th-century farm village and powered by renewable sources, offer silence and open views, as well as an atmosphere ideal for relaxing and experiencing the landscape authentically and sustainably.
Ecoresort Il Cantico della Natura
About half an hour from Cortona, nestled among woods and olive groves, the Ecoresort Il Cantico della Natura welcomes guests in an atmosphere of tranquility and harmony. The rooms and suites, inspired by the cycles of nature, invite deep rest. Additionally, services dedicated to well-being and a kitchen focused on local products transform the stay into a regenerating experience, in harmony with the landscape.
Cortona offers the perfect destination for a slow itinerary, immersed in the Tuscan countryside. Here, you can move at the gentle pace of nature and immerse yourself in the history and culture that make this place unique. Book your sustainable accommodation now and embrace the magic, tranquility, and energy of nature in this enchanting village.
Cover Photo: CanvaPro
Convento di Novole – Green Farm house in Cortona, Arezzo, Tuscany, IT 
Relais Borgo Torale, con vista lago – Green Farm house in Passignano sul Trasimeno, Province of Perugia, Umbria, IT 
Ecoresort Il Cantico della Natura – Green Resort in Magione, Perugia, Umbria, IT 
