The small Tuscan town of Cortona, situated on the slope of a hill green with olive trees, vineyards, and cypresses, commands an enchanting panorama of the Val di Chiana, a fertile plain defined at the horizon by gentle hills and the expanse of Lake Trasimeno. Cortona’s history is lost in the dark of the ages: Before it was medieval it was Roman, before it was Roman it was the Etruscan Lucumonia, of notable importance. According to some ancient authors, the territory of Etruria was divided among twelve towns, and Cortona enjoyed great renown in this federation; more recent studies document increasingly important evidence in addition to the sturdy mural perimeter, more than two kilometres long, ample lengths of which are still visible.

 

On the other hand, there is not much archaeological evidence that does not allow us to recognize its town-planning structure. At Camucia and near Sodo, there is a noteworthy series of tumulus tombs dating from the 7th and 6th centuries B.C. for Cortona these years great surprises have come from excavations of the graves of Melone II at Sodo, which have revealed its grandeurs manifesting a circumference of about 160 meters. The structure includes - besides a monumental cylindrical drum - two tombs and a terrace altar, which one reaches by means of an imposing flight of steps. The ante which define this staircase laterally are made of two large carved blocks, with figural representations of contests between human beings and fantastic monsters. The altar is flanked by large sculptural elements.

 

From the Tomb II of Melone comes an important and conspicuous number of furnishings and jewels today on display at the Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca in an apposite wing on the last floor of the Palazzo Casali. The evidence - especially the objects made gold – is distinguished by its extraordinary workmanship. Fibulas, pendants, rings, and necklaces, today on exhibit in the Museo dell’Acccademia Etrusca, enrich Cortona’s already remarkable touristic-cultural offering. The tourist in the town – beyond immediate approach with the artistic beauties and those of the landscape – can make a magical voyage in time from the dawn of civilization, with the mysterious world of the ancient Etruscans, to the painting masterpieces of the Renaissance, by visiting – in addition to the Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca – also the Museo Diocesano, which preserves, among other things, the precious works of Cortona’s own Luca Signorelli and a stupendous Annuncizione del Beato Angelico. He will then be able to make his way along the ways of Saint Francis of Assisi, toward the discovery of mystical places like the Franciscan monastery of Le Celle, and to admire the great mosaics of Gino Severini while continuing along those ways which lead from the historical center to the sanctuary of Santa Margherita.