Arezzo Attractions - Arezzo Bus - Arezzo Monuments - Arezzo Bus

Arezzo is a city and the capital of the province of the same name in Italian Tuscany. It is inhabited by nearly 100,000 people. Tuscany is one of the most visited regions in Italy, but Arezzo itself is not exceptionally besieged by tourists. This makes it a hidden gem on the region's map.

Arezzo as Arretium more than 2,000 years ago was founded by the Etruscans, a people who inhabited northern Italy in ancient times; later the settlement was a Roman colony. In the 11th century it was a commune, a community of townspeople seeking independence from the feudals, which fought for years against Florence, which took over Arezzo in 1384. With the 14th century came the cultural and economic development of the town, although later Arezzo lost some of its importance. In 1860 it became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

Arezzo - attractions of the Tuscan gem

It is worth staying here at least for a day, as the city stands out for its beautiful architecture and valuable monuments. So what is worth seeing in Arezzo?

Piazza Grande

The central square in Arezzo, characteristically sloping to the south, is surrounded by buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and stores hidden in 16th century loggias. In them one can find many artisanal products. In and around Piazza Grande, of course, there are also numerous cafes and restaurants. A large antiques market is held here on the first Sunday of each month.

Santa Maria della Pieve Church

This significantly distinctive and towering church over Piazza Grande was built between 1140 and 1320, and is dominated by Romanesque and Gothic styles. Its distinctive facade is four stories high, while the interior hides a 14th-century altarpiece by Pietro Lorenzietti and historic frescoes. The church is considered one of the most beautiful in Tuscany.

Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Donatus

This cathedral had been under construction since 1277, and was not fully completed until the 20th century. The columns and portal visible in its sandstone facade date back to antiquity. Note the stained glass windows by 16th-century artist Guillaume de Marcillat in the south aisle and the beautiful frescoes, including the "Mary Magdalene" fresco by Pier della Francesco. Next to the cathedral is located the Diocesan Museum, which has in its collection numerous monuments of sacred art, such as liturgical vessels and ornate crucifixes.

Palazzo Pretorio

The palazzo was built in 1322 and later rebuilt. It is decorated with coats of arms of aldermen from the 15th to 17th centuries. Once a prison, the building now houses the Museum of Medieval Art and a library.

Medici Fortress in Arezzo

This fortress located on San Donato Hill was built in the 16th century on the site of previous ancient fortifications. It offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding area, and is now surrounded by a picturesque park.

Ruins of the Amphitheater and Archaeological Museum in Arezzo

This amphitheater was built in the 2nd century AD. At the time it could accommodate up to 10,000 spectators. Today there is an Archeological Museum right next to it, collecting objects from excavations. There are Etruscan ornaments, ancient ceramics or many sculptures from the Roman era.

National Museum of Art

Arezzo's National Museum of Art is housed in a Renaissance building in the historic part of the city. On three floors it gathers collections related to the city's history, local art, ceramics or numismatics.