Piazza della Repubblica
The town hall.
Elekes Andor — CC BY 4.0 · Elekes Andor — CC BY 4.0 · Elekes Andor — CC BY 4.0 · Elekes Andor — CC BY 4.0 · Elekes Andor — CC BY 4.0
Cortona is a hill town in the province of Arezzo in Tuscany, Italy, the main cultural and artistic centre of the Val di Chiana after Arezzo, its historic centre set on a hill above the valley. Etruscan presence here goes back to the late Villanovan period, and between the 8th and 7th centuries BC it became an important member of the Etruscan League, thanks to a position that commanded the land around. In the 4th century BC the Etruscans built its massive walls, which run for about 3 km around the town. The town steps down the slope in steep stone streets and brown stone houses, centred on Piazza della Repubblica with the town hall and its tower, and its terraces look out over the Val di Chiana, sometimes with morning mist filling the valley. The climbs are tiring, so wear comfortable shoes, and head for the highest points for the views. There are museums and restaurants, and spring and autumn are the loveliest times.
The town hall.
Val di Chiana.
Steep stone.
Province of Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy
Yes.
Yes, the streets are steep.