Arezzo

Arezzo may not be a Tuscan centrefold, but those parts of its historic centre that survived merciless WWII bombings are as compelling as any destination in the region – the city's central square is as beautiful as it appears in Roberto Benigni's classic film La vita è bella (Life is Beautiful).

Once an important Etruscan trading post, Arezzo was later absorbed into the Roman Empire. A free republic as early as the 10th century, it supported the Ghibelline cause in the violent battles between pope and emperor and was eventually subjugated by Florence in 1384.

Today, the city is known for its churches, museums and fabulously sloping Piazza Grande, across which a huge antiques fair spills each month. Come dusk, Arentini (locals of Arezzo) spill along the length of shop-clad Corso Italia for the ritual late-afternoon passeggiata (stroll).

Explore Arezzo

0

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Arezzo.

  • Church

    Cappella Bacci

    This chapel, in the apse of 14th-century Basilica di San Francesco, safeguards one of Italian art's greatest works: Piero della Francesca's fresco cycle…

  • Art Studio

    RICERCA Restoration Studio

    Art lovers will adore visiting this conservation laboratory. The base of Art Angels Arezzo (www.artangelsarezzo.org), a group of professional art…

  • Church

    Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pieve

    This 12th-century church – Arezzo's oldest – has an exotic Romanesque arcaded facade adorned with carved columns, each individually decorated. Above the…

  • Piazza

    Piazza Grande

    This lopsided and steeply sloping piazza is overlooked at its upper end by the porticoes of the Palazzo delle Logge Vasariane, completed in 1573…

  • Museum

    Museo di Casa Vasari

    Built and sumptuously decorated by Arezzo-born painter, architect and art historian Giorgio Vasari (1511–74), this museum is where Vasari lived and worked…

  • Abbey

    Badia delle Sante Flora e Lucilla

    This 13th-century abbey was rebuilt to a design by Vasari in the 16th century, and its austerely elegant Romanesque exterior stands in extreme contrast to…

  • Museum

    Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra

    Located inside a stunning 13th-century palazzo where the bishop of Arezzo lived from 1256, this museum exhibits 12th- to 16th-century works of sacred art…

  • Gallery

    Galleria Comunale D'Arte Contemporanea

    Showcasing the work of contemporary visual artists – many based in the Arezzo region – this multifloor art gallery in a building next to the Basilica di…

  • Cathedral

    Duomo di Arezzo

    Construction of Arezzo's cathedral started in the 13th century, but wasn't completed until 1511. In the northeast corner, next to the vestry door left of…

  • Palace

    Palazzo della Fraternità dei Laici

    Construction of this palazzo commenced in 1375 in the Gothic style and finished in the late 1550s after the onset of the Renaissance. Delve into its small…

  • Museum

    Casa Museo di Ivan Bruschi

    Ivan Bruschi, a wealthy antiques dealer, restored 13th-century Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo in the 1960s. After his death, the palazzo (mansion) became…

  • Fortress

    Fortezza Medicea

    Up high to the southeast of Duomo di Arezzo, across the peaceful gardens of the Passeggio del Prato, rears the Fortezza Medicea, built between 1538 and…

  • Historic Building

    Palazzo delle Logge Vasariane

    Cobbled Piazza Grande is overlooked at its upper end by the porticoes of this wonderful palazzo, completed in 1573.

  • Park

    Passeggio del Prato

    This city park was clearly created with mellow, early evening walks in mind.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Arezzo.

  • Activities