I am spending a relatively short amount of time in these Tuscan cities so it may feel like I am hopping from location to location. For a total of three months, I live in this region of Italy, wondering why it took me so long to visit. Each city is quite different, and this I can only discern because I have the luxury of spending quality time. Here are my first impressions of Cortona Italy.
Unwelcome graffiti
This has come as quite a surprise and the first place I have seen such a thing outside of Florence. I have photographed this type of anti-tourism graffiti in Spain, quite frequently in fact, so it is nothing new. What is new is the feeling I am getting here in Cortona. Not the warm and fuzzies, in fact quite salty.
Hilly & Steep
It comes as no surprise that this city is hilly, a similarity of most of these old medieval destinations. It was a strategic plan and a good one too. What does surprise me is how steep parts of Cortona are. Once outside of the main square, Piazza delle Repubblica, if walking up to the next levels, the terrain sharply increases. It is quite remarkable as from down below, it doesn’t appear to have this level of gradient.
Distinct Districts
I am marveling at the different neighborhoods in the old city. They are so distinct to my eye, as to almost appear to be individual cities. What I think is happening is the age at which they have been developed, is giving them this architectural definition.
The central core is the typical Italian Renaissance made of brick, plastered or not, and painted yellow with green shutters. But on either side of this, above and below are extremely different atmospheres. One is remarkable medieval brick and mortar work and the other is completely constructed of jagged stone! Quite something.
Clean
And once again I have to mention the cleanliness. I am seeing no piles of garbage or refuse. Construction sites are contained and shielded from the public. Besides the anti-tourism graffiti, there is very little else and no street art.
I have the most amazing Airbnb in Cortona; I really lucked out this time and I am going to enjoy every moment inside that I can. Being a budget traveler, I am selecting from the bottom of the barrel when it comes to finding safe and clean accommodation in my price range. When I get a good one, I really cherish it. So far, this old Tuscan city has a completely different vibe from the others I have had the privilege to explore. Let’s see what the next week brings.
