The 14 things to do in Arezzo

Are you having a nice holiday in Tuscany? Embell them by discovering the must-sees to visit in Arezzo.

Visit Arezzo will allow you to discover a multitude of varied landscapes. Located between the valleys of Casentino, Valdarno, Val du Chiana and Valtiberina – this gives you the opportunity to sink in front of the beauty of its surrounding nature – the city is best known for its history older than that of Rome .

While the eternal city did not yet exist, Arezzo was one of the Etruscan cities. His past is found in the city through his many monuments. Despite the wealth of its heritage, Arezzo is not as well known as its neighbors Florence , Siena or Pisa .

For your stay in Tuscany, this allows you to get away from the crowds and discover a unique city. And if you don't know where to start, Wanderlix has prepared you a guide of the must-sees to visit in Arezzo.

1. The big piazza

Uncontournable in Arezzo, Piazza Grande is to be discovered absolutely. It is the central square located south of the cathedral. All around, the historic buildings not to be missed occupy the place. Among them you will find the Tribunal, the Palazzo della Fraternità dei Laici, the house-turn of Lappoli or the Torre Faggiolana.

In addition to its monuments, the architecture of the square is impressive in the smallest details. At the top of Piazza Grande, admire the series of arcades designed by Vasarie in 1573.

2. The Church of Santa Maria della Pieve

Also nicknamed the Chiesa delle cento bucho, this church has an impressive façade. Built in the 12th century, it is the largest religious monument in the city. At the top, admire the bell tower decorated with forty windows and the bas-reliefs engraved in a Renaissance style.

The interior of the church is no less beautiful. Divided in three naves, the building houses a presbytery, a relic of San Donato and a polyptych of Pietro Lorenzetti. In 1560, several renovations were carried out by the famous architect Toscan, Giorgio Vasari.

3. The Cathedral of San Donato

You can't visit Arezzo without a tour in the Cathedral of San Donato. The construction of the building began in 1278 and ended in 1511. Perched on a hill, the Duomo overlooks the city.

In a Gothic style, the cathedral will impress you by its position and its imposing structure. Wherever you are in Arezzo, it will be difficult not to see her. Inside, the Cathedral of San Donato also surprises with its splendid windows and its magnificent frescoes.

4. Casa di Giorgio Vasari

Visiting Arezzo is going to meet one of the greatest Toscan artists; Giorgio Vasari . Painter, architect and historian, Vasari has marked the city through all its monuments. To discover more in detail his life, go to the master's house. In her bosom, you will explore the decorated rooms with many frescoes of the time.

Although the artist lived in this house only for short periods of time, his fingerprint is found in paintings, frescoes, furniture and furnishings. Each room of the house houses the works of Vasari among which, a fresco with Apollo and nine muses or the painting San Francesco of Alessandro Allori.

5. Modern and medieval Art Museum

During your visit to Arezzo, don’t miss the museum of modern and medieval art. Located in the Porta del Foro district, this museum presents the works of the largest Italian artists. Obviously Giorgio Vasari, but also Spinello Aretino, Bartolomeo di Giovanni or Margheritone d’Arezzo.

The Museum of Modern and Medieval Art travels through the ages by offering a diverse collection as well as its origins and materials. To obtain such an eclecticism, the site has appealed to many collectors, museums and universities with various interests.

6. The house of Petrarch

Another important figure in Arezzo, François Pétrarque. This great poet is one of the most important characters in the renaissance movement of European letters. Many of his poems are letters of love addressed to Laure de Noves that he never really met. Progressively, he develops a taste for travels and tales his stories in famous poems.

Although he was from Arezzo, François Pétrarque spent much of his life in Avignon. If you want to discover his home, just go to the number 28 via dell’orto. Built in the 16th century, the building is today a real small palace with its arcades and loggia.

7. The Basilica of San Francesco

Another must in Arezzo, the Basilica of San Francesco is known worldwide for its frescoes by Piero della Francesca representing the Legend of the True Cross.

Although the artist was at the origin of the fresco, he died before completing his work. Dating from the late 13th century, the basilica was built in a Gothic style with its unique nave.

8. National Archaeological Museum Gaio Cilnio Mecenate

As Arezzo is a city dating from the end of the Bronze Age, the archaeological museum houses vestiges of prehistoric, Etruscan and Roman periods. Among the works, the museum presents bronze objects, urns, vases, or ancient currencies.

Originally, the archaeological museum comes from the museum of natural history and antiques of the city. Progressively, the collections have expanded to offer visitors a real jump in the past.

The building is located at the level of the Roman theatre that existed in the first century. Still today, it is possible to admire the remains of the structure.

9. The feast of the Giostra del Sarracino

What to do in Arezzo to immerse themselves in local culture? Giostra del Saracino is one of the most anticipated events of the city’s inhabitants. This festival is an ancient tradition dating back to the 16th century. This is an impressive show where each district representative displays his flag through a series of impressive feints and movements.

The long-awaited moment of this event is the jewel where the participants are armed with spears. The goal is to touch a character armed with a massue. The winner is the one who caused the most impact on this man.

During this festival, the inhabitants of the city dress as in the Middle Ages for a more real historical reconstruction than nature. If you would like to attend the Giostra del Saracino Festival, visit Arezzo in June and September.

10. The porta of San Lorentino

Come and visit Arezzo and visit one of the city’s must-see areas, Porta de San Lorentino (or Porta del Foro). Among the other four doors that form the Medici belt, this is one of the most beautiful entrances.

In addition to offering a unique architecture, the San Lorentino Gate is an exceptional view to admire the city. In addition, it is in this neighborhood that the church of San Domenico welcomes the crucifix of San Domenico.

11. Church of San Agostino

This church was built by the Augustin brothers in the 14th century. Since then, the monument has undergone several renovations and beauties. Indeed, in the 16th century, many artists participated in the decoration of the church by offering majestic frescoes.

In the 1760s, following significant losses, new developments were introduced. Today, some works have remained intact. During your visit to Arezzo, enter the interior of the building and admire the paintings of Barnardino Santini, the stained glass of the Pentecost or the circumcision of Jesus.

12. A wine tasting

You can't visit Arezzo without a wine tasting. Ideally located in Tuscany, the land of Arezzo offers you grape varieties of excellent quality.

Visit one of the vineyards near the city to taste the best Italian wines. In addition to enjoying your palace, you can enjoy an exceptional environment between the vines of Sangiovese or Ciliegiolo.

But before you taste the wine specialties of the region, you will be entitled to a winery visit to learn more about wine production.

13. Local gastronomy

Visit Arezzo is also a taste of local gastronomic specialities. And for that, the city has something to please you. Among the must-see dishes, enjoy mushrooms, Casentino DOP ham, Chianina trench, game or homemade pasta.

To test the best dishes in the region, Arezzo is full of small rustic restaurants that welcome you in a warm atmosphere.

14. To be done around Arezzo

During your visit to Arezzo, don’t forget to discover its surroundings which are just as exceptional.

Cortone

Just like Arezzo, Cortone is an ancient Etruscan city. By exploring the city, you will be impressed by all its historical monuments. Among the things to see in Cortone, do not miss the Palace of Medici, the Etruscan ramparts, or the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie.

Ponte Buriano

On the outskirts of the city is the Buriano Bridge. If you came to visit Arezzo in love, don't miss this unique building. According to legend, the bridge would have inspired the great Leonardo da Vinci for his painting La Joconde. So think about taking your camera!

Borgo San Sepolcro

Today called Sansepolcro, Borgo San Sepolcro houses many unmissable monuments. Among the most important, visit the Cathedral of San Giovanni Evangelista, the Church of San Lorenzo, the medicinal fortress or the civic museum of the city that hosts many works by Piero della Francesca.

How to get to Arezzo?

To visit Arezzo you have several options:

By car

The journey will however be long if you come from Paris or Lyon. This becomes a viable solution if you live on the Nice side. It will take almost 6 hours. Moreover Arezzo being bordering with Umbria, coming with your car can allow you this region.

The train

Located between the Bologna – Rome line, Arezzo is very well served. However, if you come directly from France, it is very likely that you have several changes to make.

By plane

The nearest airports are those in Florence or Pisa. From there, many buses travel to Arezzo. To get the best flights, do not hesitate to check on a flight comparison like Skyscanner .

When you are in one of these two airports, rent a car is a possible solution to finally get to good port.

Where to sleep in Arezzo?

Due to its small size, Arezzo has a limited offer in terms of accommodation. However, whether you stay in the city centre or near the train station, you will not be disturbed by noise. On the other hand, if you want to have the embarrassment of choice, we advise you to stay in nearby cities like Florence.

By going on a hotel comparison , you will find different accommodations – hotel, country house, apartment Airbnb , youth hostel – and this, in all areas of the city.

You are now ready to visit Arezzo, pack and go for adventure!