This medieval Tuscan city has Renaissance frescoes by Piero della Francesca in the Basilica of San Francesco and a monthly antique market in Piazza Grande.
In southeastern Tuscany, Arezzo's medieval streets lead to masterpieces like Piero della Francesca's "The Legend of the True Cross" frescoes and the sloping Piazza Grande. Walk through the 16th-century Vasari Loggia, browse Italy's largest antiques fair, or step into the former home of Renaissance artist Giorgio Vasari to see his personal fresco collection.
Exploring Piazza Grande
The main square descends 10 meters from north to south across multiple levels, an architectural design that helped manage rainwater flow. The 16th-century Vasari Loggia runs along the northern edge, while the eastern side preserves medieval houses with their original stone facades. Local cafes beneath the arches serve espresso and cornetti from 7:00 AM daily. Every first weekend of the month, 400+ vendors set up their antiques stalls throughout the square and neighboring streets, creating Italy's oldest antiques market.
The Frescoes of San Francesco
The Basilica of San Francesco houses Piero della Francesca's The Legend of the True Cross fresco cycle, painted between 1452 and 1466. The church allows 25 visitors per half-hour session (€8 entry fee), and advance booking is essential. Visit between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM for the best natural lighting to view the detailed artwork.
Inside Arezzo's Cathedral
Located at the city's peak, the Gothic cathedral includes a 1914 façade. The interior displays Guillaume de Marcillat's medieval stained glass windows from 1516-1517, Piero della Francesca's Mary Magdalene fresco, and Vasari's wooden choir from 1554. Look for Donatello's relief work on the baptismal font near the entrance. Open daily 7:00 AM-6:30 PM, free entry.
The Saracen Joust
The Giostra del Saracino takes place on the third Saturday of June and the first Sunday of September. Knights from Arezzo's four districts compete in the Piazza Grande, aiming their lances at a rotating wooden target on a Saracen king statue. The medieval streets fill with residents in period costumes, and each district displays its flags and colors. Tickets range from €20-40.
Getting Around Arezzo
Trains connect Arezzo's station to Florence (1 hour, €8.40) and Rome (2 hours, €16.80). The historic center sits uphill from the station - walk 20 minutes up Via Guido Monaco to reach Piazza Grande, or take bus lines 1 or 4 (€1.50 single ticket). Buy bus tickets at the station's tobacco shop.
Local Food and Wine
Restaurants in Arezzo serve Chianina beef from Valdichiana valley farms and free-range Valdarno chicken. Try these local specialties at Ristorante La Lancia d'Oro in Piazza Grande or Antica Osteria l'Agania on Via Mazzini. The surrounding hillside vineyards produce Chianti and Cortona DOC wines, which you can sample at La Bottega del Vino near San Francesco.
