Arezzo: 10 things to see and to do

Arezzo is one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany, but it's often unfairly undervalued compared to its sisters Florence, Pisa and Siena. We are talking aboutArezzo, a a real gem located on the hills in Tuscany. The city contains all the cultural, artistic and gastronomic characteristics of the entire Region and can offer its visitors peace and tranquility, as it is much less crowded and more intimate. The artistic heritage of Arezzo is vast, but confined within the walls of its city. Among its ups and downs, among its lanes and squares, you will be entranced by the beauty of Arezzo.

Let's find out the 10 must-see attractions in Arezzo!

1. THE SAINT FRANCIS BASILICA

   The Saint Francis Basilica, built in the XIV century, is famous particularly for the Storia della Vera Croce, a cycle of frescoes byPiero della Francesca which tells the story of the wooden branch which later became the material for the Cross of Christ. The basilica is known for being the second Franciscan basilica in the city: the first, in fact, was built outside the walls of Arezzo and destroyed for defensive reasons. Recently restored, this beautiful church will leave you breathless!

2. SAINT FRANCIS' SQUARE

   In front of the namesake Basilica, there is one beautiful square that is a renowed meeting place for the citizens of the city. The square hosts a historical caffe, opened in the 1809, called Caffè dei Costanti. Since it resisted for more than two centuries in the Sain Francis' Square, this catering activity became a real monument in Arezzo.

3. THE FORTEZZA MEDICEA (Medieval Fortress)
   
   

   

   Built in the 16th century by order of Cosimo II de Medici, the Medici Fortress represents an ancient example of military defense architecture. It was built on the hill of San Donato, taking its shape: the perimeter, in fact, is irregular and is delimited by five bastions from which the military could observe the arrival of any attacks. From here, however, you can also admire a splendid landscape, which includes the city of Arezzo, its surrounding rolling hills, the Arno valley and Pratomagno. Since the nineteenth century the Fortress has housed a beautiful garden, site of the numerous cultural events of the city, first of all the Antiques Fair when its square Grande is occupied by the Giostra del Saracino (see point 6).

4. THE SAINT PETER AND SAINT DONATO CATHEDRAL
   
   

   

   Built between 1278 and 1511, the Cathedral of Santi Pietro e Donati is a wonderful example of Gothic art. Its construction, which took two centuries, was troubled by the historical and war events of the city and was therefore completed several times over the course of history. Its bell tower also has a special history: it was rebuilt three times! The first risked ruining the windows due to its extreme proximity to the church and was replaced with the second, then demolished for an aquifer that undermined its stability, replacing it with the one we see today. The Duomo features various materials inserted in different eras, making it even more special and authentic. In addition, the sixteenth-century front staircase enhances it by raising it in all its beauty.

5. THE AMPHITHEATER

   Near the station you can find the ancient Roman Amphitheater, probably built between the 1st and 2nd century AD to carry out the activities of the games, but also to celebrate the various festivities at inside, being able to contain more than 10000 people inside. Visiting the Archaeological Museum of Arezzo you will better understand the events that go from the construction to the demolition of the Amphitheater and you can also admire a splendid collection of Etruscan and Roman ceramics and glass objects there found.
   The Amphitheater has suffered many looting and damage, so what remains now are the two entrances, the arches and the elliptical shape. It is now used during the summer for the representation of plays and concerts.

6. THE PIAZZA GRANDE
   
   

   

   
   

   Place of historical, cultural and folkloristic interest, you cannot fail to stumble upon Piazza Grande during your visit to Arezzo. This square is the real heart of the city and is surrounded on one side by splendid arcades , designed by the renowned artist Vasari, and on the other by historical palaces such as the Pieve di Santa Maria (see point 8) and the Palazzo della Fraternità dei Laici . Under the arcades, bars, clubs and restaurants enjoy its magnificent view. The square was built downhill, with a drop of at least 10 meters to collect rainwater and is home to the famous Antiques Fair (held every first weekend of the month) and the Giostra del Saracino, a typical city game of Arezzo which is held twice every year: the penultimate Saturday of June (Giostra di San Donato) at night and the first Sunday of September (September carousel) by day.
   Curiosity: this square is also the location of La vita è bella by Roberto Beningni (1997), in which it is seen going down several times to its descent! The film was awarded the Oscar for the best foreign film, also managing to give visibility to the city.

7. THE CLOCK TOWER

   Piazza Grande is not only Palaces and Games: here, in fact, there is also the very famous Clock Tower, which rises from the Palazzo della Fraternità dei Laici. It is the only astronomical clock in Italy and one of the very rare in Europe. Its uniqueness and beauty are therefore internationally recognized. The Tower can be visited and you can thus discover all secrets about its functioning and the procedures used in the past to rearrange it. In addition, the Tower houses a terrace from which you can enjoy a splendid panoramic view over the whole city.

8. SANTA MARIA DELLA PIEVE
   
   

   

   
   

   Piazza Grande is a true triumph of magnificent and scenographic architectures, among which it is worth mentioning the church dedicated to Santa Maria della Pieve. Built around the year 1000, it is one of the most important examples of Romanic architecture in the entire Tuscany region. Its external walls are characterized by a series of columns that cover them almost entirely and each column has a capital different from the other: this makes Santa Maria della Pieve a work admirable for hours, if he lingered carefully on every detail. The interior, on the other hand, is particularly sober. The apse of the church overlooks the Piazza Grande and contributes to making this site even more attractive and fascinating.

9. THE VASARI MUSEUM

   Since Vasari gave a great contribution to the city and to the whole of Tuscany, his house, which he bought in 1511, has now become a museum. This place houses works, sketches and writings by the renowned artist from Arezzo. In addition to his works, it is interesting to dwell on the walls of the house: the frescoes that dominate them are not only work of Vasari, but also of his numerous pupils who attended the house to learn the techniques and secrets of a formidable artist.

10. AREZZO'S CUISINE
    
    

    

    
    

    Arezzo is surrounded by hills and mountains, by fertile lands and skilled workers, who have been able to exploit all the products of the land to build their own culinary identity. To end the city tour in the best possible way, you just have to try its cuisine! The gastronomy of the city of Arezzo is homemade, but we know that the most authentic flavors are also the tastiest. We advise you to order platters of Casentino cold cuts and cheeses, to be enjoyed together with excellent local honey. Do not miss the Arezzo's acquacotta, the pappardelle with meat sauce, the gnocchi with ricotta and spinach, the pici with various toppings. Its main courses are mastered by Chianina, the Tuscan cut of meat par excellence. The typical dessert of Arezzo, on the other hand, is Gattò Aretino, a log of sponge cake dipped in chocolate and alchermes.

    
    

    What are you waiting for? Arezzo is definitely a city to visit in every season! This beautiful city can be easily reached from our holiday villas, like Villa Casentino, Villa Capolona and Santa Flora.