Introducing Cortona
With a layout indicative of someone spilling a bucket of ‘Etruscan town’ down a hillside, rooms with a view are the rule, not the exception in Cortona. In the late 14th century Fra Angelico lived and worked here, and fellow artists Luca Signorelli (1450–1523) and Pietro da Cortona (1596–1669) were both born within the walls.
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Large chunks of Under the Tuscan Sun, the soap-in-the-sun film of the book by Frances Mayes, were shot in Cortona. (You’ll look in vain, though, for the fountain in which the eccentric Englishwoman cavorts; it was built specially for filming and is now dry.)
A full week of merriment in May or June (the date varies to coincide with Ascension day) culminates in the Giostra dell’Archidado, a crossbow competition first held in the Middle Ages. Among other festivities, contestants from the city’s traditional neighbourhoods dress up in medieval garb to compete for the verretta d’oro (golden arrow).
Last updated: Oct 28, 2008
Thorn Tree forum discussion
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Re: Cortona accommodation help
by tuscansusie 05 September 2011
I know someone with a lovely place in Cortona with a terrace overlooking the val di Chiana which am happy to recommend - how many of you…
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Cortona accommodation help
by vic123456 04 September 2011
Hi, We're looking for accommodation in Cortona in October. Somewhere with a view, preferably with a garden or at least a balcony. Not…
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RE: Alberta speeding fine (Rental car - uk resident)
by JacobWhitley 03 September 2011
Hi, I also rented this car mid-September 2010 and I didn't get the charge until mid-Dec 2010 and received the invoice from Hertz mid-Jan…
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