Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Top Things to Do in Cortona
Things to Do in Cortona
Popular things to do
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Cortona.
Top Attractions in Cortona
Speciality Museums
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Wineries & Vineyards
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Cemeteries
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- dante m2 contributionsA very good place where to stay in silence and listen the nature. If you are a religious person, this place is for you.Written 26 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- KroulakBrno, Czech Republic3,749 contributionsWe walked up with children from parking thrue the city-take it aprox 1.5 hrs and its really nice tour. Basilic is very quite and relaxed place👍Written 27 August 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- KroulakBrno, Czech Republic3,749 contributionsCentral place in Cortona with nice atmosphere,few restaurants,shops,church etc. Children like sit there and listen street music artists👍Written 27 August 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Kegs23East Lansing, MI60 contributionsWe had some hesitation about visiting this museum, but we are all glad we did. The museum features outstanding paintings from Cortona's own artists from 14th Century to the 20th Century. Very doable in 60-90 minutes.Written 29 September 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Brun066Florence, Italy10,925 contributionsWhen, in the first year of high school, I read Virgil's Aeneid, I learned, like everyone else, that in chapter III the Aeneas' ancestors appear in a dream to the hero - while he is encamped in Crete with his companions - and they reveal to him that the order previously received from the oracle in Delos, to "return to the land of the ancestors", must refer not to Crete but to Italy, homeland of the true founder of the Trojans, the hero and demigod Dàrdanos.
Dàrdanos, mythical son of Zeus and Electra, according to a tradition collected by Virgil would be a native of Coritum, that is Cortona; and this would traditionally be the oldest city in Italy.
Obviously no one today believes that Dàrdanos, even if he ever existed, is the son of Zeus and Electra; but the tradition of Cortona's Dàrdanos is firmly established: “Via Dàrdano” is one of the main streets of the historic city. And as for the other related myth, Cortona as the oldest city in Italy, archeology doesn't credit it; but even this, despite being a fairy tale, is anyway a beautiful fairy tale for the Cortona people.
This whole chain of legends came back to my mind when I visited the MAEC in October (it was the third time for me). In fact, in the newest part of the Museum, located in the underground floors and dedicated to recent archaeological discoveries in the Cortona countryside, space is given, among other things, to passages by ancient writers who allude to the genealogy of Cortona and Dàrdanos.
This new part of the Museum is very modern from a museographic point of view: the view of the finds is captivating and everything is perfectly bilingual Italian / English.
In this section I particularly appreciated the so-called “Tabula cortonensis” in bronze: it is explained that it it's a sales contract, “disguised” however by a court sentence (I leave it to the visitor to understand why).
The upper floors are the most traditional part of the museum: they date back to the time when it was really the "Academy Museum". The old wooden display cases for the finds have been deliberately preserved. Here is perhaps the most famous exhibit in the museum, the bronze Etruscan chandelier (unfortunately, however, the current lighting prevents a clear view of the details). And then the painted portrait of a girl nicknamed "Polyhymnia", believed to be of Roman age but imitation, perhaps from the 16th century; the sumptuous “Ginori temple”, from the mid-18th century, in white and blue porcelain; the Academy Library, on the top floor, which has preserved the ancient furniture.
Overall, the MAEC is probably to be considered the central attraction of the city of Cortona.Written 16 October 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Krista BSan Francisco, CA4 contributionsDesirè was our host for the tour and tasting. She was wonderful. She answered all the questions of myself and family. She took time with us to show the winery and production facility. After the tour she served us several wines, cheeses, salamis, their olive oil, and an amazing pasta dish. The place was great, modern and inviting. Worth the trip.Written 17 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- ScrabblejanAuburn, CA11 contributionsI found Cortona through Frances Mayes' Under the Tuscan Sun, so of course we had to visit Bramasole. It's a beautiful & easy walk just outside of Cortona.Written 30 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- KroulakBrno, Czech Republic3,749 contributionsNice church with fragment of Jesus cross and St.Franciscus clothing,children like a lights candle on and listen the history👍Written 27 August 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- KroulakBrno, Czech Republic3,749 contributionsThe best view in Cortona by my opinion,amazing Tuscany view with lake and old houses. A few benches for short rest are available.Written 27 August 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- lindacrickGranville, OH499 contributionsI think you can see all the way to Rome from here....just kidding..but it is a magnificent panorama at least back to Montepulciano.Written 22 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- ErinSunburnKey West, FL37 contributionsI chose this vineyard and restaurant for a lunch instead of having a more traditional rehearsal dinner. This location, service, pricing and quality of food was absolutely spectacular! I would recommend again in a heart beat and can’t wait to come back again! So lovely! Thank you again for the memories and serving a large group of 40 (including 3 children)! Fantastic!Written 5 October 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Jesper TAmsterdam, The Netherlands5 contributionsSmall wine vineyard with nice wines. Very friendly family who served us a wine tasting and home cooked food (with local ingredients only). Especially the Gallo (red wine) tasted terrific.
We stopped by without a reservation.Written 24 September 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - BorzovRijeka, Croatia5,256 contributionsCortona Cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was built at the remains of the ancient Roman temple in the 11th century. Little is left of its original Romanesque character, because of the several renovations and refurbishments. Although most of its treasures today lies in the Museo Diocesano, the church is worth visiting, for several canvases made by Berettini and disciples of Signorelli.Written 26 September 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Upstate TravelerUnited States122 contributionsThis is one of the better small fortresses in Tuscany. High above Cortona, the views of Valdichiana are great. Lake Trasimeno is visible to the south and Montepulciano to the west. The fortress, while not large is interesting and is likely to become more interesting as restoration continues. More could be provided regarding history and features of the fortress when it was operation. There is food and drinks offered with a pleasant place to eat and drink.Written 24 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Karina S18 contributionsThis is the most beautiful location, friendly and helpfull staff.
The food at the restaurant was some of the best food we've ever tried. 5 stars for this place, fully deserved!Written 7 September 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cortona
- The top attractions to visit in Cortona are:
- Eremo Le Celle
- Basilica di Santa Margherita
- Piazza della Repubblica
- Museo Diocesano
- MAEC - Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca
- The best day trips from Cortona according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Assisi and Cortona Day Trip from Florence
- Brunello and Montepulciano Wine Tour from Cortona
- Private Art & Wine Tour in Cortona & Montepulciano, with lunch & 2 wine tastings
- Private Art & Wine Tour in Cortona & Montepulciano, with lunch & 2 wine tastings
- Private tour from Florence to Cortona and Arezzo
- The most popular things to do in Cortona with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in Cortona on Tripadvisor