Cortona sits 1,800 feet above sea level, built on the crest of Monte Sant-Egidio.
Portions of the city walls date back to the time of the Etruscans, and from their tops you can see Valdichiana Plain, the mountains of Siena and the expansive Lake Trasimeno.
St. Margaret of Cortona died in 1297 while living in the ruined church of St. Basil above the city. After she died, the church was rebuilt in finer style and dedicated to her. Her body is still incorrupt in a silver shrine over the high altar of this sanctuary.
Most Tuscan growers have their olives pressed into oil at a local cooperative.
Tuscan cooking often features nutmeg, rosemary, mushrooms and spinach.
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