Cortona

Leave the heat of Florence behind you and visit Cortona, once an important Etruscan city, as can be seen from the tombs nearby and the walls of the 4th century B.C. The town still maintains its mediaeval aspect, clinging to the steep slopes of the hill below the Keep of Girifalco. Of note the Palazzo Comunale and the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, both of the 13th century. The facade of Palazzo Pretorio (17th century), dominates Piazza Signorelli; the palace is now seat of the Etruscan Academy and Museum containing Etruscan remains and works of art from various periods. Don't miss visiting the splendid Renaissance sanctuaries of the Madonna del Calcinaio and S. Maria Nuova on the slopes of the hill of Sant'Egidio.