Cortona - Cathedral

A short distance north of Piazza Signorelli, in the Piazza del Duomo, stands the cathedral (Santa Maria), a Renaissance structure built over an earlier Romanesque church. In its present form it is predominantly the work of Giuliano da Sangallo (1445-1516) or of his followers. The interior is divided into three aisles by slender columns, with fine carved altars (1644) by Francesco Mazzuoli. The choir contains a number of good paintings, including some by pupils of Luca Signorelli. Adjoining the cathedral is the Bishop's Palace (Palazzo Vescovile), the present aspect of which dates mainly from the late 19th century.