Several years ago while we were driving from Florence to Le March we stopped in to Cortona, Tuscany for lunch. From that short stay and quick look around I knew that I would return some day to spend some time there.
The day came and I spent 3 full wonderful days exploring this gorgeous city.
I took the train from Bagni di Lucca to Cortona, which took almost 4 hours with 2 changes, one at Lucca and one at Florence (Firenze). There are actually 2 train stations for Cortona so you must get off at Camucia-Cortona.
Taken from the train
I took a taxi from the train station up to the town. On the way up the views were so magnificent that I couldn’t help myself from taking many photos. The taxi driver stopped and offered for me to get out and take as many photos as I would like. Yes please.
Just when I thought I had seen it all I arrive in this gorgeous city. To say that it took my breath away would be an understatement.
The hotel I had booked in to was just a couple of metres from Piazza della Repubblica – down a small lane-way. I was greeted by a very friendly and proud local young man who was the receptionist. He pointed out that some of the door-ways and parts of the building in this hotel were from the Etruscan era. Can you imagine being in something that old.

Etruscan Door-way
After checking in, I went to explore. It was quite late afternoon by this time, so too late for restaurants to be serving lunch. So I chose a popular bar overlooking the Piazza, to have my apertivo and people watch and take in the activities that were happening around me. I could have sat there for hours and I probably did as I enjoyed it so much I was not in any hurry to move on. If you enjoy piazzas, this stunning Medieval Piazza is a must seen with its terrific shops and restaurants.
Cortona is a must stop if you are in Tuscany and the piazza is stunning both from its history as well as current functionality. There is so much history in Cortona and this is a perfect starting point
Piazza della Repubblica, and its nearly attached twin, Piazza Signorelli, are wonderful settings in which to become engaged with food, history, shops, but most of all people. Sitting up on the steps overlooking Piazza della Repubblica appears to be a very popular past time for tourists and locals. Of course I joined them. I was delighted to visit this very charming piazza which was less busy than many other piazzas that I have visited in Italy.
This is the view from the breakfast room which was on the top floor in my hotel.

View from breakfast room
Mama Mia, absolutely gorgeous and so ITALIAN
Really Lovely. DD
Mama Mia alright. What a magnificent place so picturesque. Thank for wonderful photos yet again. Really enjoyed the blog. Xx
Thanks Leah, and the breakfast was just as superb. Beautiful hotel. xx
You said on the day we went to lunch there that you would return. I’m so glad you have it looks so wonderful. I will have to go back one day also, what an amazing place. xxx
Yes Donna, it is another favourite of mine. That was such a great day hey. Simply gorgeous xxx
Great post. I, too, loved Cortona! I felt like I was back there. Thanks!
Thanks Mary. It is an easy comfortable town
Ah, Cortona! I was there once, back in 1998. I had to see the town where Frances Mayes bought her beautiful Bramasole and wrote “Under the Tuscan Sun”. Her book inspired my interest in Italy in general, and the idea of having a house there in particular. While at our house, Tre Archi, in July, I found Frances’ book on the shelf and reread it for the first time in years. It was a wonderful re-visit to the source of my love of Italy. Not to mention that her writing also inspired me to write. Frances is, after all, a poet and a writing teacher. This book and her follow-ups should be required reading for Italophiles.
Thanks for your insights, Lyn!
Nice to hear from you Deb. Yes I enjoyed the book and loved the movie. Pure fantasy but oh what a fantasy. Your fantasy turned in to reality with beautiful Tre Archi. Lyn
Well, the movie was a fantasy and had very little to do with Frances’ book! So can’t say I liked it. But it no doubt beefed up her and Ed’s retirement income. ;)
We did make our own dream come true though and we keep enjoying it – work and all – everytime we’re there!
You can see why it is so easy for me to write about Cortona – it is magical!
Most definitely. A simply gorgeous place to spend time