Arezzo

Arezzo It is one of the most important Tuscan cities, undoubtedly one of the pearls of our region. Located in the southeastern part of the territory, this wealthy center stands on a hill at the crossroads of four valleys: Tiber Valley, Casentino, Valdarno And Valdichiana.

A brief history of Arezzo

Its origins are very ancient, as demonstrated by the discovery of stone tools from the so-called Elm Man of the Paleolithic. Of the Arretium Etruscan traces can be found as early as the 9th century BC, so much so that it represented one of the major Etruscan lucumonies, later becoming a Roman centre of strategic importance, a hub of thriving economic activities and rich in monuments, including the Amphitheatre, of which important remains still remain today.

They were very renowned its foundries and the artistic factories Of “coral” vases (i.e. painted red), whose decoration technique spread throughout the Roman world.

The position along the Via Cassia always guaranteed to ArezzoThroughout history, it has played a fundamental and prestigious role. In the Middle Ages, the city was a free commune dominated by the Ghibellines, opposing Florence. However, the defeat of Campaldino in 1289 marked the end of its independence: over time, it became a Florentine dominion and later became part of the Medici Grand Duchy. Arezzo gave the Christmas to many illustrious men, including Petrarch, Giorgio Vasari, Piero della Francesca, Guido Monaco and Francesco Redi. 

What to see in Arezzo

Arezzo has a first-rate artistic heritage. The frescoes of Piero della Francesca, in the Cathedral, are astonishing. But the entire center tells the story of the great periods of Arezzo's art and architecture. Next to the medieval towers stands the imposing Vasari Loggia (for some the dress rehearsal and the model of the one later created at the Uffizi in Florence), the Palace of the Lay Fraternity, a synthesis of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and the apse of the Parish Church of Santa Maria. The Basilica of San Domenico It preserves a wonderful cross painted by Cimabue.

The Saracen Joust

The penultimate Saturday of June, or the first Sunday of September, the beautiful Great Square sets the scene for the Joust of the Saracen, a knightly tournament of medieval origins in which the 4 districts historians Arezzo. While every first weekend of the month the same square lights up with Antiques Fair, a vast and interesting market of objects to be handled with dexterity.