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Piero della Francesca’s frescoes put Arezzo on the tourist map, but in Italy, the city is just as well known for its jewelers, goldsmiths, and antique trade. On a Tuscany tour, don’t miss the area around Piazza Grande, where you’ll find shops packed with museum-quality furniture. Once a month, the Fiera Antiquaria transforms the square into a massive open-air showroom.
There are two distinct parts to Arezzo: the older quarter, at the top of the hill, and the businesslike lower town, much of which remains hidden from day-trippers, as it spreads behind the train station and the adjacent bus terminal. From the station forecourt, go straight ahead for Via Guido Monaco, the traffic axis between the upper and lower town. The parallel Corso Italia, now pedestrianized, is the route to walk up the hill.
A brief history of Arezzo
Arezzo has been one of Tuscany’s most prosperous towns for a very long time. Occupying a site that controls the major passes of the central Apennines, it was a key settlement of the Etruscan federation, and grew to be an independent republic in the Middle Ages. In 1289, however, its Ghibelline allegiances led to a catastrophic clash with the Guelph Florentines at Campaldino; though Arezzo temporarily recovered under the leadership of the bellicose Bishop Guido Tarlati, it finally came under the control of Florence in 1384. Nowadays, while Florence’s economy has become over-reliant on tourist traffic, well-heeled Arezzo goes its own way, though in recent years it has started to market itself more seriously as a place to visit.
Things to do in Arezzo
Despite the obvious charm of wandering the streets, shopping at local stalls, and stopping for coffee in cute cafes, Arezzo has much more to offer on a Tuscany trip. The most famous sight is the Basilica of San Francesco, home to Piero della Francesca's frescoes, among the most treasured Renaissance art in Italy. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as this popular spot often sells out quickly.
If you’re visiting during the first Sunday of the month, don’t miss the antique market in Piazza Grande, renowned for great finds among bargain hunters. The Medici Fortress, dating back to the 1560s, and the Arezzo Cathedral, with its Gothic architecture, offer fascinating glimpses into the city’s rich history.
Featured Image, Arezzo, Italy © Pegasophoto / Shutterstock
