South of Arezzo, almost bordering Umbria, Cortona is situated on the steep slopes of a hill that supports the High Sant'Egidio.

Cortona was probably founded by Umbrians and become a great power under the Etruscans, is today one of the more dell'Aretino. On his hill overlooking the Val di Chiana, all collected in a circle of walls that are a monument of rare archaeological importance, with its steep streets, churches, monasteries, it is the guardian of the glories of ancient times which jealously the relics in museums and churches.

Rare copies of civilization Egyptian, Etruscan and Roman, and, most precious of all, a "chandelier" Etruscan sixteen beccucci which can be considered one of the most beautiful works in bronze handicrafts of antiquity, are preserved in the Museum of Etruscan that is located in the Palazzo Casali, imposing architectural work of the thirteenth century.

This museum preserves, as well as ivory, silver and bronze, beautiful paintings which include works by Pinturicchio, Signorelli, Ghirlandaio and Piazzetta.

There are also interesting relics of eras closer as a room of the eighteenth century belonged to G. B. Tommasi already master of the order of Malta.

The former Church of Jesus, which is the work sixteenth of exquisite architectural harmony, located Diocesan Museum which preserves the magnificent "Annunciation" Beato Angelico, paintings by Luca Signorelli, Pietro Lorenzetti, ancient relics and pieces of precious jewellery.

Cortona also a beautiful Cathedral of the sixteenth century and a splendid Gothic style church, begun by the Successor of St. Francis, Brother Elias Coppi, called Church of St. Francis. Another church is very interesting to

S. Domenico, built at the beginning of the fifteenth century, with frescoes by Fra Angelico and works by Luca Signorelli and Bartholomew of Gatta.

It belongs to the fifteenth century Church of St. Nicholas, with works by Luca Signorelli.

But among all the artistic monuments of Cortona most important is considered the church of St. Calcinaio to Mary, which stands about halfway between Cortona and Camucia, on the southern slopes of the hill cortonese. A masterpiece of Sienese Francesco di Giorgio Martini, is considered among the most perfect architectural works of the Renaissance.

Ricorderemo monuments are interesting Palazzo Comunale with the tower, and the Palazzo del Popolo arising in the beautiful Piazza della Repubblica.

Cortona was home to saints and artists. We lived S. Margaret, you were born Luca Signorelli and Pietro Berrettini.

S. Francis founded the Hermitage of Celle, and worked here Beato Angelico leaving some of his most beautiful works.

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