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One of the oldest hill towns in Tuscany, surrounded by 3,000 year old Etruscan walls, Cortona retains much of its history through its architecture, layers of history built upon the Etruscan core. The plain below Cortona is speckled with Etruscan tombs. But Cortona isn`t just about the past; it is the setting for `Under the Tuscan Sun` (book and movie) and has a thriving Expat community which is quite involved with the city.

Cortona`s Etruscan walls are incorporated into the medieval walls that surround its historic center. Inside the walls, you can wander the narrow medieval streets of Cortona`s historic center. Near the walls, you`ll often be rewarded with fantastic views of the valley below. Be sure to visit the century town hall and clock tower on one of Cortona`s main squares, Piazza della Republica. There are cafes nearby for enjoying the piazza life and the 13th century Palazzo Pretorio on Piazza Signorelli is the Etruscan Academy Museum. Besides good Etruscan artifacts, the museum holds Roman remains, Renaissance and Baroque paintings, 15th century ivories, and a small Egyptian exhibit.