C.O.R.E. Comes to Cortona: The New Original Experience Celebrating the Heart of Italian Creativity

Title: C.O.R.E. Comes to Cortona: The New Original Experience Celebrating the Heart of Italian Creativity

Subtitle: On September 17, Piazza della Repubblica becomes the stage for an evening of fashion, journalism, photography and entertainment

On September 17, 2026, at 9:00 pm, Piazza della Repubblica in Cortona will host the first edition of C.O.R.E. – Cortona Original Experience, the new cultural format bringing together a collective story of fashion, journalism, photography, film, entrepreneurship and entertainment. It's an event designed not just for industry insiders, but for anyone in Cortona who loves creativity, authentic stories, and the atmosphere of an evening under the stars in one of Tuscany's most beautiful squares.

At a glance:

• Date: September 17, 2026
• Time: 9:00 pm
• Location: Piazza della Repubblica, Cortona (AR)
• Format: An Original Experience dedicated to Italian creativity, featuring stories, awards and fashion shows

A Name With a Double Meaning

The event's name already carries its deepest meaning. In English, CORE stands for heart, nucleus, essence: the most authentic part of every story. At the same time, COR echoes Cortona, the city of art and culture hosting the first edition, which becomes an integral part of the event — not just its backdrop, but its beating heart.

From this double reading comes a project centered on authenticity, dialogue and relationships, aimed at creating connections between different worlds and celebrating Italy's creative heritage through the people who make it unique every day.

An Evening of Stories, Testimonials and Awards

The evening's program will alternate stories, testimonials and moments dedicated to contemporary creativity, with the presentation of the C.O.R.E. Awards, honoring individuals whose work stands as an example of excellence, innovation and authenticity in their respective fields.

Among the guests at the first edition, directed by Stefano Lorenzi, taking the stage in Piazza della Repubblica will be: journalist Nina Verdelli, photographer Gianmarco Chieregato, actress and voice artist Maria Pia Di Meo, Paralympic athlete Giusy Versace, entrepreneur Matteo Cambi, singer-songwriter and host Jo Squillo, and visionary entrepreneur Marco Bartoletti. A collective story spanning different experiences, languages and generations, hosted by Serena Martinelli.

The Fashion Show: Four Faces of Italian Fashion

Alongside the evening's protagonists, the stage will also showcase brands representing different expressions of Italian creativity:

Maison Ermanno Scervino, which for over 25 years has combined tailoring excellence with innovation through a modern vision of Italian fashion. The Eredia, a young Neapolitan brand reinterpreting tailoring in a contemporary key. Aloe & Wolf Vintage, a research archive that preserves and celebrates fashion memory. Come in una Favola, a brand specializing in wedding gowns, known for turning every creation into a personal and emotional experience.

Who's Behind the Project

C.O.R.E. was born from the shared vision of five professionals from different backgrounds, united by the desire to build a project capable of celebrating the local area, promoting Italian creativity, and giving space to stories worth telling. Because behind every excellence lies not just an achievement, but a journey made of intuition, research, courage and passion.

The event is held under the patronage of the Municipality of Cortona and with the support of its Main Sponsors, who chose to share this vision, helping to launch a project set to grow over time and become a fixture dedicated to the culture of Italian creativity.

Where to Stay for the Evening

Villa Santa Margherita is just a few minutes from the center of Cortona, an ideal base for enjoying the C.O.R.E. evening in Piazza della Repubblica without giving up the relaxation of a stay surrounded by the Tuscan countryside. Discover our rooms and the offers available for the weekend of September 17.