CORTONA

cortona, also in tuscany, is another one of the quaint hilltop towns, founded by the etruscans, and continually inhabited throughout the roman, medieval, and modern periods. until recently, cortona had escaped the tourists' notice. until, that is, san Francisco state university english professor frances mayes wrote her book, under the tuscan sun, set in the town. nowadays fans of the book come to find romance or relaxation.

the views from cortona's heights show lake trasimene in the distance.

at the center of town is cortona's town hall. Locals and tourists alike--this one included--stop and rest on the steps, and watch all the goings on.

the narrow streets of cortona are not (yet) filled with souvenir shops.