Cortona and the Tuscany

Cortona, a real jewel of art and history plunged in the heart of Tuscany, has ancient origins that make its fascination and charm even more evident. The town was founded by the Umbrians about 3000 years ago and became an Etruscan “lucumonia” in the 8th century B.C. It was first dominated by the Goths and then by the Romans, and became a free “comune” in the 12th century, before yielding for a period of time to the Republic of Florence. The Etruscan and medieval atmospheres, the enchanting old palaces, the treasures displayed in the museums, the fascinating churches, the city walls that are still almost intact make Cortona a destination not to be missed by every tourist going on holiday in Tuscany.

The town of Cortona portrays a culturally lively context, since it offers any kind of events all over the year to make your holidays really unforgettable. The historic center, famous worldwide for its beauty and for its artistic and historic value, is full of bars, trattorias, typical restaurants and shops, such as the renowned shops of antiques, of Tuscan leather and local handicrafts. The old town is mainly busy at night, and propose many art exhibitions and cultural events, classical music concerts and opera in the open air during the famous Tuscan Sun Festival, holy music concerts, tournaments and medieval commemorations, like the popular Archidado, and many food festivals such as the traditional T-bone Steak Festival (Sagra della Bistecca) and the Porcini Mushrooms Festival (Sagra del Fungo Porcino) in August, local wine tasting, Cortonantiquaria and other antiques markets and much more. There’s something for everyone, you will only be spoilt for choice!

And in the surroundings of Cortona you will find interesting tourist destinations that deserve to be visited. Our self-catering villa in Cortona are located only 4 km away from the Siena-Perugia slip road, from where you can easily reach beautiful places such as Siena, San Gimignano, Pienza, Montepulciano, Val d'Orcia, Arezzo, Florence, Lake Trasimene, Perugia, Assisi, Spello and Orvieto. Thanks to the strategic position of villa Pettirossi you can take advantage of a relaxing holiday in contact with nature, of entertaining cultural and musical events, of traditional recipes and excellent Chianti wine tasting and of the discovery of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany and in the nearest regions. Spending a holiday in Cortona is really what you are looking for!