PLACES TO VISIT IN AREZZO 

A journey through art, history and nature

AREZZO

GREAT SQUARE

The beating heart of Arezzo, Piazza Grande is a masterpiece of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Admire the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici with its Gothic loggia, the Loggiato Vasariano with its elegant arches and the Church of Santa Maria della Pieve, an example of Arezzo Romanesque.

What see:

• Palace of the Lay Fraternity: Frescoes by Pietro della Francesca and Bicci di Lorenzo.
• Vasari Loggia: Frescoed loggia overlooking the square.
• Church of Santa Maria della Pieve: Romanesque facade with sculpted portal and interior with three naves.

Curiosity:

• The square was used as a film set for films such as "Life is Beautiful" and "The Cyclone".
• Every year, in September, it hosts the Giostra del Saracino, a knightly tournament in medieval costume.

HOUSE OF GIORGIO VASARI

Immerse yourself in the life and art of Giorgio Vasari, painter and architect from Arezzo. Visit his birthplace, now a museum with works of art and a collection of drawings

What see:

• Vasari's study: Frescoes with self-portrait and scenes from his life.
• Collection of drawings: Works by Vasari and other 16th century artists.
• Temporary exhibitions: Dedicated to Vasari and his time.

Curiosity:

• The house was restored in the 20th century and retains its original furnishings.
• In the garden there is a bronze statue of Vasari.

BASILICA OF SAINT FRANCIS

An art treasure, the Basilica of San Francesco houses the cycle of frescoes by Piero della Francesca, including the "Legend of the True Cross". A masterpiece of Renaissance art not to be missed.

What see:

• Bacci Chapel: Frescoes by Piero della Francesca with the "Legend of the True Cross".
• Main altar: Polyptych by Giovanni di Pietro from Milan.
• Main Chapel: Frescoes by Bicci di Lorenzo.

Curiosity:

• The basilica was built in the 13th century in Gothic style.
• The cycle of frescoes by Piero della Francesca is considered one of the most important masterpieces of Renaissance art

CATHEDRAL OF SAINTS PETER AND DONATO

 The Cathedral of Arezzo, an imposing building with a Romanesque façade and a Gothic bell tower, houses the marble ark of San Donato and valuable works of art.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM PATRON

A journey through time to discover the history of Arezzo and its territory. The Mecenate Archaeological Museum displays Etruscan and Roman archaeological finds.

What see:

• Collection of Etruscan finds: Vases, bronzes, jewels and sculptures.
• Collection of Roman finds: Statues, mosaics, coins and ceramics.
• Temporary exhibitions: Dedicated to the archeology and history of the Arezzo area.

Curiosity:

• The museum is housed in the ancient Palazzo Pretorio.
• The archaeological collection was donated to the city by Maecenas, a wealthy Roman patrician.

MEDICI FORTRESS

It dominates the city of Arezzo with its panoramic view. The Medici Fortress, built in the 16th century, is an example of Renaissance military architecture.

AROUND

CORTONA

Perched on a hill overlooking the Val di Chiana, Cortona is a medieval village with a timeless charm. Stroll through its cobbled streets, admire its Etruscan walls and be enchanted by the panoramic view.

What see:

• Museum of the Battle of Anghiari: Archaeological finds and reconstructions of the battle.
• Palazzo Taglieschi: 16th century frescoes.
• Parish Church of San Bartolomeo: Romanesque church with stone bell tower.
• Anghiari Museum: Works of art and period objects.

Curiosity:

• The Battle of Anghiari was painted by Leonardo da Vinci, but his fresco has been lost.
• The village has been included among the "Most beautiful villages in Italy".

SANSEPOLCRO

A medieval walled village, Sansepolcro is famous for the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista which houses works by Piero della Francesca.

What see:

• Cathedral of St. John the Baptist: Frescoes by Piero della Francesca, including the "Resurrection".
• Civic Museum: Artwork by local artists.
• Palace of Laudi: Frescoes from the 14th century.
• Museum of San Francesco: Sacred works of art.

Curiosity:

• Sansepolcro was the homeland of the painter Piero della Francesca.
• The village has been included among the "Most beautiful villages in Italy"

LA VERNA

A place of peace and spirituality immersed in the Monte Penna forest. The Franciscan sanctuary of La Verna is famous for the Chapel of the Stigmata, where Saint Francis received the stigmata.

What see:

• City of Arezzo: Piazza Grande, Duomo, Giorgio Vasari's house.
• City of Cortona: MAEC Museum, Town Hall, Cathedral.
• City of Montepulciano: Temple of San Biagio, Town Hall, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
• Val di Chiana Senese: Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Brolio Castle, Chiusi.

Curiosity:

• Valdichiana has been an important commercial hub since Etruscan times.
• The valley is famous for the production of fine wines, such as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.