In this next instalment of Snapshots from a Tourist in Italy, my Dad shows us some of Cortona, Tuscany.

Cortona through the Lens

According to Wikipedia, Cortona was originally in Umbria, but it is now a Comune in the Province of Arezzo, in Tuscany. It is the next main town after Arezzo. It predates the Etruscan period.

The current town dates from mediaeval times, and it is characterised by narrow and steep streets and lanes. It has more recently attracted attention as the site of Frances Mayes’ book, Under the Tuscan Sun.

At 600 metres above sea level, it commands superb views of the Valdichiana.

Thanks to the flexibility of our friend Andrea from Very Tuscany, we arrived in Cortona in mid-afternoon on a beautiful sunny day, with limited time.

We are happy to let the camera tell a little of what we saw and experienced.

Monument

Good coffee

Palazzo Comunale (City Hall)

Piazza

Gelateria Snoopy

building under restoration

same building.  Take note of the low energy light bulb in the old fitting above our guide Andrea’s head.

Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

We were told in Orvieto that the Etruscans never buried their dead within the city walls. Clearly the same applies here.

There is much more to Cortona than has been covered here, which may provide an excuse for a future visit.