| The Galleria Nazionale is located in Cortona, an ancient Etruscan town internationally renowned for its artistic and cultural heritage; the gallery is housed within Palazzo Alticozzi along the Via Nazionale, the main street of the town. This is the third art gallery established by the Cosignani family after those located in Viareggio, Versilia and Levanto, in the Cinque Terre area.
The Palazzo Alticozzi owes its name to the Alticozzi family that in the 15th century altered the medieval layout of the building by consolidating previous dwellings. The current façade of the building dates back to the first half of the 16th century. The coats of arms depicting ox heads appearing on the façade attest to the noble status of the ancient lineage of the Alticozzi family (the lineage has died out).
The gallery is housed within the area opening out onto the street that was anciently taken up by the loggia whilst the inner rooms were used as state rooms. These were recently renovated and still display original liberty frescoes.
To reach Cortona driving get off the A1 Highway at the Valdichiana toll-booth and get on the toll-free Siena-Perugia speedway, direction Perugia; get off then at the second exit for Cortona, Once you hit the SS71 state road you will find sings for Cortona in Camucia. |
