Cortona Antiques Fair

Recent archaeological discoveries of Etruscan ruins in central Italy are a reminder of the historic treasures that coexist with modern conveniences in the Old World. If you are interested in antiques but lack the tools or time for earthen excavation, there is an annual antiques fair in the Tuscan town of Cortona that should not be missed. Antique dealers from every corner of Italy come together for the event, making it possible to take a history tour of the entire country within a single exhibition space.

The Cortonantiquaria (Cortona Antiques Fair) takes place each year as summer turns to fall. Cortona is an easy one day trip from Florence, so if your travels bring you to Tuscany in the early autumn it would make a fantastic excursion into the hills between the two cities. Visiting Cortona at the end of summer, with the approach of the harvest, is the most fitting time to learn more about the increased value of things that comes with age: centuries-old antiques as well as the year’s matured grapes and olives about to become wine and oil.

Held annually since 1963, the Cortonantiquaria is one of the most prestigious fairs in Italy and Europe. The venue for the fair is an attraction itself: the Palazzo Vagnotti dates back to the 18th century and its grand halls are a testament to historical preservation. When the fair comes to town each year, it attracts lovers of old objects as well as people interested in learning how such things are protected and restored.

What will you see by visiting the Cortona antiques fair? Items on display range from the most delicate laces to seemingly indestructible weapons from bygone wars. In between, there are metal wares, paintings, jewelry, sculptures and carpets. In short, anything that was part of the livelihood of Italian communities that thrived in the past can be experienced thanks to the dealers who work to ensure that they continue to tell the stories of their past owners.

Tuscany guided tours such as the one that takes tourists to the Cortonantiquaria do more than show old objects to newcomers. It is an educational and cultural occasion that introduces Tuscan and Italian history to people from around the world. But since life is also experienced in the present moment, there are many social events coordinated with the antiques fair that give visitors a chance to do things like taste wine from nearby vineyards. The event culminates in the awarding of the Cortonantiquaria Prize, bestowed upon someone who has made a significant contribution to the arts business and culture in Cortona.