Cortona artistic itineraries

  • A route from Port St Mary to the church of San Francesco
  • B Route The sanctuary of Santa Margherita and the fortress of the Girifalco

    A route from Port St Mary to the church of San Francesco

    Passing through the port of Santa Maria began our walk to Cortona to discover the many beauties that the old village houses within its walls, built by the ancient Etruscans and then largely rebuilt later. From here you take away Iannelli, flanked by some fourteenth-century houses, and then via the Jesus, bringing in Piazza Duomo, from whose balcony you can enjoy a wonderful panorama.

    Duomo
     Built on the ruins of a pagan temple and documented as a church in the eleventh century, the church obtained the title of cathedral by Pope Julius II in 1507. In the centuries has undergone several restorations, the most recent of which prevent a thorough reading of the Renaissance style with which was designed in the fifteenth century by Giuliano da Sangallo.

    Among the many outstanding works Adoration of the Shepherds by Pietro da Cortona, one of the most illustrious sons of this city.

    Diocesan museum
     Housed within the complex architecture of Ges?, the museum is located opposite the Cathedral. In its halls are exhibited numerous works of art ranging from II century AD to modern art and which come mainly from churches in the city. Do not miss the beautiful Annunciation by Beato Angelico and the Lamentation over the Dead Christ by Luca Signorelli, a great artist Cortonese, which the city has headed the theater.

    And, as the actress Diane Lane in Under the Tuscan Sun , Pass in front of the theater and walk down Via Casali joining the fulcrum of power with the religious calendar. Houses along the palace, also known as Pretorio building and current home of the Academy Museum and the Etruscan town of Cortona, and arrived in Piazza Signorelli which opens the entrance of this building to come visit him.

    Academy Museum and the Etruscan town of Cortona -- MAEC
    Cortona Visitors can not overlook to admire the many treasures housed in this museum. Throughout his plans runs an exhibition documenting extensively the origins of the Etruscan city and beyond. There are also preserved prehistoric objects, precious objects and Egyptian Roman and interesting testimonies of medieval art and modern. Among the most valuable merits mention the Etruscan bronze chandelier, the Tabula Cortonensis third longest Etruscan text, the so-called temple Ginori, big trophy made from porcelain manufactory of Shower and touching Maternity by Gino Severini.

    Adjacent to the museum stands the thirteenth century town hall, flanking you arrive in Piazza della Repubblica, where the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo. Near the center of this civilian walking by Santucci, there is the church of San Francesco.

    Chiesa di San Francesco
     This is the great Franciscan complex built on a design by Friar Elia, the same who had designed the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi. Assisiate disciple of the saint, of which he was also vicar, wanted to build this church in highest point of his hometown.

    B Route The sanctuary of Santa Margherita and the fortress of the Girifalco

    Placed outside the old town, on top of the hill of Cortona, stand two large complexes. Visiting the city is good not to miss an opportunity to visit them.

    Santuario di Santa Margherita
     Where stands the present church stands a small church built by monks Camaldolese century. Damaged during the sack of Cortona of 1258 was rebuilt by Saint Margaret. After his death the Cortona decided to raise a larger church, designed by Giovanni Pisano, which was passed in the body of the saint, which was dedicated l 'building.
    Unfortunately in the second half of the nineteenth century, was almost entirely destroyed. Only remaining building of the choir and twice cruise. As is, the church is the work of architects Falcini, as regards the interior, and Castellucci, for the facade.

    Of note are the rich marble mausoleum of the Sienese school in the left wall of the transept el 'urn of the Saint, by Pietro da Cortona. On an altar of the right aisle is admired a precious wooden crucifix, which is already in the church of San Francesco, by beginning the thirteenth century, before to which the saint used to pray.

    Girifalco fortress
     The imposing building was built keystone for the will of the Grand Duke Cosimo I at the apex of the hill overlooking the village and the entire Valdichiana.

    Panoramic position and that in the past had to be very strategic as witnessed by the succession of fortifications in Etruscan, Roman and medieval.

    On these ruins are home to this superb example of military architecture. Restored recently became the exhibitions during the summer, and is open from April to September. From the top of the tower, you can see a breathtaking panorama.