Cortona is in Valdichiana in the province of Arezzo, it borders Umbria. It has been inhabited since ancient Etruscans as you can see from the city walls. Piazza della Repubblica is the city centre with its Palazzo Comunale (XIIth century)

It is the main cultural and artistic centere of the Chiana valley after Arezzo. Among its sights, we can remember The Duomo (XIth century), the Basilica of Santa Margherita (XIIIth century) the museum Diocesano with its beautiful painting the "Annunciazione" by Beato Angelico (XVth century). The Eremo Francescano Le Celle, the first convent built by St Francis of Assisi in 1211, is just outside the city walls and is worth visiting too.

Don't miss the wonderful Museum of the Accademia Etrusca e della Città di Cortona where lots of objects of archaeological interest dating back to Etruscan times are shown. Here, you can have any further information about visiting The Parco Archeologico di Cortona (The archaeological Park) 

Don't forget Cortona as a famous town for the steak Day on August 15th when thousands of people gather and long for a delicious steak from the Val di Chiana, along with a glass of tuscan red wine.

If you cross the border just a few miles away, you get to Umbria, to charming Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno, towns where you can relax by Trasimeno lake.