Arezzo

Arezzo is a beautiful city in the eastern part of Tuscany, Italy, renowned for its rich history, artistic heritage, and vibrant cultural life. It’s often considered a hidden gem compared to more heavily touristed Tuscan cities like Florence and Siena.

Here is an overview of Arezzo:

Key Highlights and Attractions

• Piazza Grande: This is the city’s main and most unique square. It’s famous for its unusual trapezoidal shape and sloping surface. It’s surrounded by magnificent buildings from various periods, including the Palazzo delle Logge, designed by Giorgio Vasari.
• Artistic Masterpieces: Arezzo is a city of major art.
  • Basilica di San Francesco: Home to the masterpiece fresco cycle, The Legend of the True Cross, by the early Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca.
  • Arezzo Cathedral (Duomo): Features painted vaulted ceilings and a 15th-century fresco of Mary Magdalene, also by Piero della Francesca.
  • Basilica di San Domenico: Contains the famous 13th-century Crucifix painted by Cimabue (Giotto’s master).
• The Antiques Fair: Known as the oldest and one of the largest antiques fairs in Italy, it takes over the Piazza Grande and surrounding streets on the first full weekend of every month.
• Medici Fortress (Fortezza Medicea): This military architecture from the 16th century offers sweeping panoramic views over the city and the surrounding countryside.
• Casa Vasari (Vasari House): The former residence of the famous Renaissance painter, architect, and historian, Giorgio Vasari, which he designed and decorated himself.

History

• Ancient Origins: Arezzo has an ancient history, dating back to Etruscan times. Under the Romans, it was known as Arretium and was particularly noted for its red-clay pottery.
• Medieval and Renaissance: Arezzo was a free city-state in the Middle Ages, known for its Ghibelline (pro-Emperor) allegiance, often clashing with Guelph (pro-Pope) Florence. It eventually fell under Florentine control (Medici family) in 1384.
• Famous Sons: The city is the birthplace of several historical figures, including:
  • Piero della Francesca (Renaissance painter)
  • Giorgio Vasari (Renaissance artist and historian)
  • Guido of Arezzo (medieval music theorist who invented the modern system of musical notation).

Culture and Festivals

• Saracen Joust (Giostra del Saracino): This traditional annual medieval festival, held twice a year (typically in June and September), involves costumed knights on horseback charging at a wooden target.
• City of Gold: Arezzo is sometimes known as the “city of gold” due to its tradition of gold and jewelry craftsmanship.

Arezzo is an ideal base for exploring the wider region, situated roughly halfway between Florence and Perugia, and near other charming towns like Cortona and Montepulciano.