Cortona was one of the twelve cities of the Etruscan Confederation. Here you can still observe imposing sections of primitive Cyclopean masonry walls, scarcely changed by medieval builders. Except for a few beautiful Renaissance palaces, the prevalent character of Cortona's buildings is medieval, which confers a dramatic aspect to the narrow, steep streets. From a height of 500 meters, it dominates the entire Valdichiana, with its horizon disappearing amidst the summits of Mount Amiata. The Basilica of Santa Margherita and the Franciscan Convent at Le Celle invite the tourist to discover Cortona from above, offering an itinerary of art and of faith just a few steps from the historic center. Walking, instead, in Ruga Piana, now Via Nazionale-the only level street of the city-you will find Piazza della Repubblica, dominated by the medieval municipal palace, Palazzo Casali, once the residence of the noble Cortonese family and now the headquarters of the Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca. A prestigious appointment not to be missed is the antique show and market CortonAntiquaria, one of Italy's most interesting events of this type. It takes place each year in the 18th-century halls of Palazzo Vagnotti and Palazzo Casali, from the last Saturday in August through the second Sunday in September.