Arezzo

<< Tuscany

Arezzo is a city in eastern Tuscany known for its rich cultural and artistic heritage. It was one of the largest Etruscan cities, and remained an important center under the Romans. Arezzo ruled over the surrounding territory as a free comune between the 11th and 14th century, and it was eventually conquered by Florence. The city features a medieval old town and hosts many artistic and architectural masterpieces dating from the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, when it was home to several artists and poets.

✪ Basilica of San Francesco

The Basilica of San Francesco is a Romanesque church erected during the Late Middle Ages in Arezzo. The church is known for hosting one of the greatest works of Renaissance art: the cycle of frescoes of The Legend of the True Cross (Storie della Vera Croce), painted by Piero della Francesca in the 15th century. This is the largest work by the artist, and one of his masterpieces.

Gaius Cilnius Maecenas State Archeaological Museum

The Gaius Cilnius Maecenas State Archeaological Museum (Museo Archeologico Statale Gaio Cilnio Mecenate) is an archaeological museum in Arezzo. The museum features several Etruscan and Roman artworks and finds unearthed around the city. The museum is adjacent to the ruins of the Roman Amphitheater of Arezzo, which was erected between the 1st and 2nd century.

Piazza Grande

Piazza Grande is the main square of the medieval old town of Arezzo. The square is surrounded by various historic buildings, such as the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici, a Gothic and Renaissance palace with a decorated facade and an astronomical clock, which now hosts an art museum. The northwestern side of the square hosts the Palazzo delle Logge, a 16th-century palace designed by Giorgio Vasari. The square hosts the Saracen Joust (Giostra del Saracino), an equestrian tournament of medieval origin which is held twice a year.

Church of Santa Maria della Pieve

The Church of Santa Maria della Pieve is a medieval church in Arezzo. The church was built in Romanesque style during the Late Middle Ages, and it features a monumental facade adorned with loggias and topped by a sturdy bell tower. The church houses various artworks, including a 14th-century polyptych by Pietro Lorenzetti.

Ivan Bruschi House Museum

The Ivan Bruschi House Museum (Casa Museo di Ivan Bruschi) is a museum hosted in the medieval Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo in the old town of Arezzo. The museum houses the collection of antiques dealer Ivan Bruschi, which includes various historic artworks, weapons, archaeological finds, and pieces of furniture.

Arezzo Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of Santi Pietro and Donato (Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Donato)

The Arezzo Cathedral (Duomo di Arezzo) is the main religious site in Arezzo, built on the site of the ancient acropolis of the city. The current structure was erected in the Late Middle Ages in Gothic style. The facade features a few decorations, while the interior houses a large series of frescoes. The chruch hosts several artworks, including an elaborate arch sculpted in the 14th century, and various funerary monuments. The baptismal font inside the church features a relief made by Donatello.

Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art of Arezzo

The Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art of Arezzo (Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra di Arezzo) is a museum of religious art hosted in the historic residence of the local bishops located in front of the cathedral of the city. The palace features some frescoed halls, and the collection of the museum includes several artworks from the cathedral and other churches around the town, dating between the 12th and 19th century.

Church of San Domenico

The Church of San Domenico is a Gothic church erected in Arezzo in the Late Middle Ages. The church features a few frescoes and artworks, but it is best known for hosting a large 13th-century crucifix painted by Cimabue.

Casa Vasari

Casa Vasari is the former residence of Renaissance artist Giorgio Vasari in Arezzo. The palace features various halls adorned with large frescoes painted by the artist, among other artworks, and houses a museum with many manuscripts by Vasari and other Renaissance artists.

National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art

The National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art (Museo Nazionale d’Arte Medievale e Moderna) is an art museum in Arezzo. Its collection includes several paintings, sculptures, and other artworks dating between the Middle Ages and the 19th century.

Medici Fortress of Arezzo

The Medici Fortress of Arezzo (Fortezza Medicea di Arezzo) is a fort built on top of a hill in Arezzo. The fortress was built over a previous fortification during the 16th century, and it is an example of Renaissance military architecture. Now restored, the fortress is surrounded by a large park. The ruins of various Roman structures have been found around the fort.