Cortona in Autumn: What to See and Do

Cortona is an ideal destination for a weekend or a few days in Tuscany from September to December. Between September and November, the temperatures are perfect for exploring on foot, the Val di Chiana countryside changes colour, and the historic centre can be enjoyed at a more relaxed pace than during the summer months.

From museums and Etruscan Cortona to scenic walks and the Eremo Le Celle hermitage, discover what to see and do in Cortona in autumn, along with practical information on parking, access and recommended visiting times.

Explore Cortona’s Historic Centre

The best place to start is Piazza della Repubblica, the heart of Cortona’s historic centre, home to the Town Hall and its distinctive staircase. Just a few steps away is Piazza Signorelli, where the MAEC museum is located. Piazza della Repubblica, cuore del centro storico, con il Palazzo Comunale e la caratteristica scalinata. A pochi passi si trova Piazza Signorelli, sede del MAEC.

From here, you can continue on foot along Via Nazionale and explore the streets leading up towards the higher part of town, where you can enjoy panoramic views over the Val di Chiana.

MAEC: Discover Etruscan Cortona

The MAEC – Museum of the Etruscan Academy and the City of Cortona, located in Piazza Signorelli, is one of the most important places to visit if you want to discover the history of Cortona.

Among its most significant exhibits are the Tabula Cortonensis, the famous Etruscan bronze chandelier, and archaeological finds from the monumental tombs in the surrounding area. The museum also features collections from later historical periods, as well as works by Gino Severini.

Sodo Archaeological Area

To complete your journey through Etruscan Cortona, you can visit the Sodo Archaeological Area, located at the foot of the hill

Here you will find the impressive Etruscan burial mounds of the Cortona area. It is particularly interesting to visit after the MAEC, as it allows you to connect the archaeological finds displayed in the museum with the places where they were originally discovered.

Basilica of Santa Margherita and Girifalco Fortress

At the highest point of Cortona, you will find the Basilica of Santa Margherita and the Girifalco Fortress.

The Medici fortress, built in the 16th century at the top of the hill, offers some of the most impressive panoramic views over Cortona and the surrounding countryside

On foot from the town centre: the walk uphill is quite steep. From the historic centre, allow at least 20–30 minutes, depending on your starting point and walking pace.

By car: you can drive closer to the upper part of Cortona by following the signs for Santa Margherita and the Fortress. Parking availability and restrictions may vary, so always check the signs when you arrive.

Eremo Le Celle – Hermitage of St Francis of Assisi

Just a few kilometres from the centre of Cortona lies Eremo Le Celle, one of the earliest Franciscan settlements and one of the best-known places to visit in the surrounding area.

The hermitage is set in a narrow valley surrounded by woodland. Autumn is an especially beautiful time to visit, when the surrounding trees take on their seasonal colours.

Please remember: this is not simply a tourist attraction, but a religious place dedicated to prayer and contemplation. Visitors are therefore asked to respect the silence and the spaces used by the religious community.

How to get there: the hermitage is located outside Cortona’s historic centre and can be reached by car by following the signs from Cortona.

Where to Stay When Visiting Cortona and the Surrounding Area

Located on the slopes below Cortona, Monastero San Silvestro is a convenient base for travellers who want to explore the town while also discovering the surrounding area by car. Its location, just outside the historic centre but only a short distance from Cortona, also makes it easy to reach other nearby destinations, including Castiglion Fiorentino, Castiglione del Lago and Arezzo.

The property offers a selection of apartments, making it a particularly practical choice for stays of several nights. Guests have the freedom to organise their own schedules, meals and daily activities independently, enjoying the flexibility of having their own space.

At the same time, guests can rely on the Monastero San Silvestro staff for local recommendations, from restaurants and traditional trattorias to places for drinks and other nearby venues. The team is also available to provide useful advice for planning visits, day trips and excursions around Cortona and the surrounding area. It is a way to experience Cortona with the freedom and comfort of feeling at home, while still having a trusted local point of reference throughout your stay.