Tuscany – Part 3

Cortona

Cortona of ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ fame is another walled hill town. Although smaller than Montepulciano, it is the main cultural and artistic center of the Val di Chiana.

The town has many attractions including the Diocesan Museum, the MAEC (the Etruscan Academy Museum of the City of Cortona) where you can see many artifacts found in the Etruscan archeological sites in the area. Santa Margherita Sanctuary, patron of the City and the Girifalo Fortress are on the highest point on the hill but worth the walk.

There are many small shops offering local handmade items and gastronomical products.

I thought the fellow in the following pictures was a soon to be groom but it turns out that he has just become a doctor. Apparently, they put on the wreath and walk around town to be congratulated. I am not sure if he gets free drinks or food.

Other scenes from around the town.

 the famous Italian gelato.