Cortona

One of the twelve cities of the Etruscan League-substantial fragments of its primitive cyclopean defences can still be seen, incorporated in the medieval walls.
Apart from a few fine Renaissance palaces, the prevailing character of Cortona's architecture is medieval, conferring on the steep narrow streets a strong sense of atmosphere.
The city is commandingly situated (altitude 600 metres) and there are magnificent panoramas to every point of the compass, embracing the whole of the
Val di Chiana.
Prominent among many art works of various periods in the
Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca are the
Etruscan Chandelier known as the "lamp of Cortona", one of the most celebrated bronzes of antiquity, and the
"Polyhymnia Muse", an encaustic painting of the Roman era, of Remarkable beauty.
The
Museo Diocesano displays works by Luca Signorelli, distinguished Renaissance painter and native of Cortona, and a much-admired "Annunciation" by Beato Angelico.
The most important medieval buildings are the churches of San Francesco and San Domenico and The Palazzo Casali, which has a renaissance facade.
In these, and in the Renaissance churces of Santa Maria Nuova and San Niccolò, valuable works of art are preserved.
I PAESI DEL TERRITORIO
Chianciano
Montalcino
San Quirico
Pienza
Monticchiello
Chiusi
Orvieto
Cortona
Arezzo
San Casciano dei Bagni
Cetona