This event features the famous "Bistecca" a thick cut steak from the Chiana breed of beef,  which according to a recent genetic study is one of a selest group of breeds in Tuscany non-european origins. It may well have been introducced into Tuscany by those ever mysterious Etruscans.

There is plenty of the Tuscan steak being grilled to celebrate the classic meat of the Valdichiana.

The steaks are grilled on a 46-foot-long grill fired by juniper wood. With the giant steak, they serve the Chianti wine of the Cortona, optimal in order to accompaniment to the meat. To the "festival of the beefsteak" you will find also gastronomic stands, with typical products from Cortona and Tuscany.

With the occasion of the festival you will be able to visit the splendid countryside of Cortona which offers to visitors among a plethora of sights and sounds, insights into the world of Hannibal and his famous victory over the young Roman republic at Lago de Trasimeno. For more information visit

• http://www.cortonaweb.net