Cortona is in Tuscany, only 2 hours drive from Rome and about an hour from
Florence. Lying close to the border with Umbria makes it very central and easy to access many other great places of interest such as Perugia and Assisi, as well as Siena, Arezzo and Lago Trasimeno. An ancient walled city, Cortona dates back to Etruscan and Roman times, their handiwork still evident in the great stones at the foot of the city walls. Set high above the beautiful Val di Chiana, at more than 500 metres above sea level, it is guaranteed to be cooler in the summer than the surrounding plains, and with its head in the clear sunshine, well above the “nebbia” or white mists typical in late autumn and early winter.

Not only is Cortona famous for its history and stunning location but it is also a vibrant and living city. The people are warm and friendly, with a great pride and
involvement in the services they provide, such as the typical bars and trattorie, specialist artisanal shops, stylish boutiques and a wide variety of delicious local food products and wines.

The arts and culture scene offers an incredibly rich
programme of exhibitions, concerts and shows throughout the year, including mid-summer outdoor musical events with international artists and some
fascinating historical re-enactments, such as the Giostra.

There is plenty for everyone to enjoy in Cortona and with it’s compact size everything is easily accessible. For the more active it offers some great walks up to the beautiful Santa Margherita Church and sanctuary, built for the patron saint of Cortona. Further up the hill is the ancient Girifalco fortress, said to be based on the site of a much earlier Etruscan site, from which one can survey spectacular vistas in all directions. Just a few kilometres pleasant walk from Porta Colonia, and sited in a deep and forested river gorge, you will find Le Celle Hermitage, a monastery established by St Francis of Assisi in 1211 for his followers and still used today as a tranquil retreat.

A huge weekly market at the foot of the hill in Camucia held every Thursday provides a great opportunity to not only see and buy the best regional produce and clothing bargains, but also to experience mixing with many of the local residents. Take a pause from browsing to linger over a cappucino, while you munch on a fresh crusty panino filled with the famous “porchetta”, (fragrantly seasoned roast pork) prepared in an instant for you by a cheery stall holder.

From many strategic points around the town you will find spectacular views across the valley to Lago Trasimeno, Montepulciano and Monte Amiato or up to rugged Mont’Egidio, the mountain which has cradled the site of Cortona for millennia.

There are glorious “wine drives” along the roads which radiate from the base of Cortona, to Arezzo, Chiusi, or Montepulciano and all the way to Siena or Florence. There are also some wonderful new grape varieties coming out of the micro-climates of Lago Trasimeno, which will delight wine lovers with their innovative blends and single varietal styles.

As for food, there is everything to tempt your palate, from the typical pastas, such as hand rolled “pici” with a hearty ragu, to seasonal specialities such as artichokes in the Spring and earthy porcini mushrooms or truffles in September and October. There is a huge choice of typical family run trattorie and osterie, as well as fine dining in restaurants with most elegant and stylish ambience.

Frances Mayes books have made Cortona internationally famous in recent years, especially following the release of the hit film “Under The Tuscan Sun”. This film is like a promotional travelogue for the region, showing off the town and glorious surrounding countryside. Cortona enjoys an incredible international mix of visitors year round, including the Italians! A rich and lively tapestry of culture, history, delicious food & wine, together with great natural beauty - Cortona!

MOSES PALACE is located in Via Maffei 15, walking distance from the resturants: Osteria del Teatro, Pane e Vino, Pizzeria La croce del Travaglio, Trattoria Toscana, Trattoria Dardano, Antica Trattoria, Ristorante Il Cacciatore, Ristorante La Locanda nel Loggiato, Trattoria La Grotta, Ristorante Preludio, Ristorante Hostaria La Bucaccia, Ristorante Tonino, Pizzeria Route 66, Ristorante Tempero, Ristorante La bottega dell'Oste, And is not far from: Ristorante Il Falconiere, Borgo il Melone, Ristorante Corys, Ristorante Castelgirardi, Ristorante Agrisalotto, Pizzeria Cantanapoli, Pizzeria La Tufa, Pizzeria Vallone, Pizzeria Ristorante Bastiancontrario.