The Great War in Cortona: a journey through memory and history

Between 1914 and 1918, Europe was marked by a conflict that forever changed the nature of warfare. In the trenches, dug for miles, soldiers endured extreme conditions: mud, cold, disease, and the constant tension of waiting and fear. The war became static and exhausting, often fought for just a few meters of land.

Cortona, although far from the front lines, was deeply affected. With a population of around 30,000 inhabitants, more than 600 local men lost their lives, leaving a lasting mark on the community.

The exhibition at the MAEC tells this story: life in the trenches, the experiences of soldiers from Cortona, and how the town gradually built a shared memory of the conflict. Photographs, documents, and artifacts guide visitors through a journey that begins with the reality of war and leads to the city’s places of remembrance, such as the War Memorial, the Park of Remembrance, and the Chapel of the Fallen at Santa Margherita.

An intense and moving experience—an invitation to pause, reflect, and connect with the deeper history of the territory.