Arezzo

History

Arezzo is a town set in the south-east of Tuscany where four valleys merge together: the Val Tiberina , Casentino, Valdarno and Valdichiana. Known as "The City of Gold" in Italy, Arezzo's preeminence in the gold industry pales by comparison to the real charm within. Its scenic, artistic, cultural, historical and agricultural riches are what makes Arezzo and its surrounding towns a must see while in Italy.

Things To Do

Piazza San Francesco Beautiful Renaissance frescoes cover the sanctuary of this 14th-century church. Piero della Francesca's Legend of the True Cross (1448-66) has drawn art-loving pilgrims from around the world for centuries.

Santa Maria della Pieve (open May – December) This 12th-century church is Lombard Romanesque architecture at its most beautiful, with a craggy, eroded facade of stacked arcades in a light tan stone.

Arezzo's main square, Piazza Grande, is charmingly off-kilter. Since 1200, it has declined alarmingly to one side, creating a slope topped with a graceful loggia designed in 1573 by Giorgio Vasari.

Badia In 1565, Giorgio Vasari performed a High Renaissance architectural overhaul on the Santa Maria della Pieve. He did such a good job that in 1865, church officials hijacked what Vasari had built for his and his family's tomb and reassembled it in the Badia as the church's high altar. Vasari's paintings adorning the altar include a 1551 Calling of St. Peter in cotton-candy pastels and a watery classical background.

State Museum of Medievale and Modern Art Built during the 15th century, Bruni-Ciocchi del Monte Palace houses this diverse collection of art covering Every epoch of Aretine and imported artistry from the Middle Ages to the Macchiaioli.The collections there offer a good panorama of art in the Arezzo territory during medieval and modern times.

Dining

Delicious Tuscan dining is not missed in the town of Arezzo. Known for their famous aquacotta (cooked in water) soup, stuffed pheasants and sautéed chicken giblets Arezzo is a delicious town to explore.

Want to take home the skills of the Tuscan chefs? Look into our Tuscan Cooking Courses to take the tastes of Tuscany home with you.

Must Do’s

Take time in your morning to enjoy the Italian tradition of steaming rich expertly made caffè espresso with a flaky sweet Italian pastry. Italy’s perception of coffee is an art to be appreciated!

Shopping

Arezzo is most famous for its antique shops and monthly antique market. Held the first weekend of each month where you can find authentic and reproductions of Italian antiques as well as other artesian wares as terracotta ceramics.

Where to Stay

• Castles
• Private Villas
• Country Farmhouses
• Apartments
• Bed & Breakfasts
• Luxury Hotels

Getting There

By Car or Bus Florence (1 hr 20 min), Siena (1 hr 30 min) http://Trainspa.it