Piazza della Repubblica is the social centre of Cortona — an irregular medieval square with the imposing 13th-century Palazzo Comunale on one side and a broad flight of stairs that doubles as the town's primary public seat. By day the cafes set out tables; by evening the steps fill with locals.
The corner of the square between Via Nazionale and Via Roma is where most of the town walks past at least once a day. A useful place to start or end a tour of the historic centre.