Arezzo

Piero della Francesca’s frescoes are what makes Arezzo a tourist destination, but in Italy the city is equally well known for its jewellers, its goldsmiths, and its trade in antiques: in the vicinity of the Piazza Grande there are shops filled with museum-quality furniture, and once a month the Fiera Antiquaria turns the piazza into a vast showroom.

There are two distinct parts to Arezzo: the older quarter, at the top of the hill, and the businesslike lower town, much of which remains hidden from day-trippers, as it spreads behind the train station and the adjacent bus terminal. From the station forecourt, go straight ahead for Via Guido Monaco, the traffic axis between the upper and lower town. The parallel Corso Italia, now pedestrianized, is the route to walk up the hill.

A brief history of Arezzo

Arezzo has been one of Tuscany’s most prosperous towns for a very long time. Occupying a site that controls the major passes of the central Apennines, it was a key settlement of the Etruscan federation, and grew to be an independent republic in the Middle Ages. In 1289, however, its Ghibelline allegiances led to a catastrophic clash with the Guelph Florentines at Campaldino; though Arezzo temporarily recovered under the leadership of the bellicose Bishop Guido Tarlati, it finally came under the control of Florence in 1384. Nowadays, while Florence’s economy has become over-reliant on tourist traffic, well-heeled Arezzo goes its own way, though in recent years it has started to market itself more seriously as a place to visit.

Things to do in Arezzo

Despite the obvious of wandering the charming streets, shopping at stalls and stopping off for coffee in cute cafes, Arezzo has lots to do in the form of sightseeing. The most famous is of course the Basilica of San Franceso, which is home to Piero della Francesca's frescoes - the most treasured Renaissance art in Italy. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as the hot spot sells out quickly. There is an antique marketing in the Piazza Grande on the first Sunday of each month, renowned the bargain hunters. The Medici Fortress dates back to the 1560's and the Arezzo Cathedral with it's gothic architecture and styling provides interesting step-back into history.

Featured Image, Arezzo, Italy © Pegasophoto / Shutterstock