On to Cortona! This was the closest hill town to where we were located at Borgo di Vagli. Here we are approaching the city from the south; the city is located on a very steep hill - Borgo di Vagli is on the other side of these mountains. The white building at the top of the hill is a church, above that is a fortress. We hiked allllll the way up to the fortress, and it was totally worth it (I have knee surgery scheduled for later this month... kidding).

Here is a view about halfway up the hill - looking back down to the valley.

Here is one of the many churches in Cortona.

"Hellooo.... anybody home??" There are several "portas" or doors to the city. Cool that the doors are still there - athough they are all open these days!

Via San Marco, one of the many gorgeous old streets in Cortona.

Stairs, stairs EVERYWHERE!

This is near the top - climbing a cypress-lined path to the highest (in elevation) church and the fortress above.

Here was our reward at the top of the hill! Unfortunately, we chose to climb up here during siesta - when many things are closed (usually from 1-3pm), including the church.

But, there was a cafe next to the church that was open, which had a very friendly black kitty (and really good gelato)!

On to the tip-top of the hill and the Fortress!