Visiting Arezzo
Between the lure of Tuscany's capital of Florence, the vineyards of Chianti and the ever-popular tourist attractions of Siena and Pisa, the city and area around Arezzo is often the road less travelled when it comes to exploring Italy.
Where is Arezzo
Located in Eastern Tuscany, just an hour’s train ride from Florence, the city sits at the unique hilltop crossroads of four valleys: the Val Tiberina, Casentino, Valdarno and Valdichiana. One of the wealthiest cities in Tuscany due to its history in gold-smithery, Arezzo is a hidden gem for the European traveller; a beautiful and vibrant city steeped in rich art and architecture. Free of crowds and masses of tourists, discovering all that Arezzo has to offer will provide an authentic experience of Italian history that can be enjoyed at your own pace.
Our Top Places to Visit in Arezzo
Whether you have just a day in your itinerary to spend in Arezzo or a little while longer, we've put together a quick guide of the top places you need to visit. Or you can go here to see all our articles on Arezzo and its province.
If you'd like help planning your trip to Arezzo, take a look at our range of villas near Arezzo. Or, if you have anything else you'd like to discuss, don't hesitate to get in touch!
Piazza Grande
No visit to Arezzo would be complete without spending some time in the Piazza Grande. The square is a miscellany of Italian history, encompassing traditional, medieval and Renaissance architecture in one large and beautiful open space.
Bordered by towers, churches and palazzos, the Piazza Grande hosts Arezzo's famous antiques fair on the first weekend of every month, never failing to attract tens of thousands of visitors. The square is also the site for the Giostra del Saracino (or the Joust of the Saracens) – a medieval jousting contest between the city's eight districts, held in June and September every year.
The piazza boasts countless places to sit, relax and watch the world go by; like at one of the picturesque lounge areas under the Loggia del Vasari. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars to choose from – perfect for a midday pit-stop!
Basilica di San Francesco
One of the most popular attractions in Arezzo is the Bacci Chapel of the Basilica di San Francesco (or the Church of San Francesco). This modest medieval church is home to one of Italy's most celebrated pieces of Renaissance art; Piero della Francesca's fresco cycle illustrating The Legend of the True Cross. These exquisite paintings focus on Empress Helena's believed sighting of Christ's true cross during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land – an extraordinary sight to see, and one that photos simply do not do justice.\n\nIf you do decide to visit the Church of San Francesco during your time in Arezzo, remember to book your tickets in advance as this is a popular attraction that often sells out.
Church of San Domenico
Another must-see place in Arezzo is the gothic-style Church of San Domenico, located on the outskirts of the city centre. The Romanesque church houses the famous wooden Crucifix painted by Cimabue, which is considered to be one of the masterpieces of the 13th century. This exceptional piece of art is the first of two crucifixes accredited to the Italian painter, and is well worth a visit on your trip to Arezzo.
Medici Fortress
The 16th-century Medici fortress rises above the town. Modest as a building but the views across the Valdichiana and towards Cortona are exceptional, and it costs nothing to walk up to.
Roman Amphitheatre and Archeological museum
The amphitheatre is partially excavated and free to view from the outside. The museum (Museo Nazionale Archeologico) next door holds a superb collection of Arretine ware, the distinctive coral-red pottery that was Arezzo's main export across the Roman Empire and a formative influence on later Tuscan ceramics.
Casa di Vasari
Giorgio Vasari was born in Arezzo and his house is now a museum. He decorated it himself with frescoes and it's a vivid, personal space.
Petrarch's birthplace
The house where Petrarch was born in 1304 is preserved near the Piazza Grande. Worth at least a mention: the city produced both the author of the first art history book (Vasari) and one of the founders of European lyric poetry, which is a remarkable claim for a mid-sized Tuscan city.
The gold district
Arezzo is one of the most important centres of gold jewellery manufacture in the world, which surprises most visitors who come expecting medieval frescoes and antique fairs. The city accounts for a significant share of Italy's gold exports, and the industrial district to the south of the old town is a serious, working place, not a heritage attraction.
For visitors, the more interesting thread is historical: Arezzo's reputation for metalwork stretches back to Etruscan times, and the city's wealth, which you notice immediately in the quality of its buildings and the breadth of its Piazza Grande, was built largely on gold. The Museo dell'Oro, housed in the former Leopolda station on Via Vittorio Veneto, traces this history with a collection of tools, moulds and finished pieces that puts the industry in its proper context. It is not the most visited museum in Arezzo, which is part of its appeal.
Interactive map of tourist sights in Arezzo
Author: Dan Wrightson
Dan Wrightson grew up in Tuscany, Italy and has been writing about, sketching and exploring Tuscany and Italy since 1983.
27th Dec 2022 27th Dec 2022