Cortona was the main cultural and tourist center of Val di Chiana between the 8th and 7th century B.C. It became an important Etruscan city thanks to its strategic location. Episcopalian, became a free commune in the XIII century. Allied whit PERUGIA during the struggles between Guelphs and Ghibellines to defend his side against AREZZO . In the 15th century A.D. it became part of the Florentine Republic.
This thriving town enjoys the enhancement of crops, as well as the prized beef breed "CHIANINA". Unfortunately, Cortona paid a high price in blood, as it lost many of its citizens during the two tragic world wars.
