Housekeeping day, the washing was building up so it was off to the local laundrette " Star Wash", must has a lot of tourists use it as the instructions were in several languages. Then it was off home for lunch on the patio.
The afternoon we dedicated to seeing Cortona, there were two places in particular high on the hill. The Church of S. Margarita and the Medici Fort right on the summit. First though we had seen local signs to Etruscan tombs so we went and search for them. Sometimes the Italians have a very low key approach to archeology, one sign at the site after a drive down a dirt track. Then you could wander about, touch things and generally do as much damage as you like, but it was amazing to think the graves dated from 100 - 200 BC.
Back to Cortona and let the climb commence.....
The church is dedicated to S. Marguerita, an unmarried mother who after had a vision from a crucifix dedicated her life to God and the rest is history as they say, it is a beautiful church once you make the climb but the creepy part is the body of Margarita resting on the altar....! No really, the mummified remains.....
There has been some type of fortress on the top of the hill since Etruscan times and has been strengthened and modified throughout the centuries. The present structure was completed by the Medici family in the 16 century. The view from the top of the walls is fantastic and again well worth the climb.
In the evening we got dressed up and went out for dinner, no baked beans this time but lamb chops.....
Mrs Twankys washing shop
This way to the Etruscan tombs
Views of Cortona
Climb to the church
Church of S Margarita, patron saint of Cortona
Medici Fortress
View from the wall
Patio lunch
Penny trying for size.
and here she is in all her glory
Dressed for dinner