Owing parts of its fame to the frescoes of Piero della Francesca, Arezzo is one of the must-see cities in Tuscany. Despite having just 100,000 inhabitants, there are plenty of things to do in Arezzo, especially if you’re an art lover. The city saw an increase in popularity during the last couple of years due to its unique atmosphere, art, and architecture.
Set on a hill rising from the floodplain of the River Arno, Arezzo is assumed to have been one of the Etruscans’ legendary twelve cities. The Etruscan civilization shaped Arezzo’s character, and its traces can still be found in the necropolis of Poggio del Sole and the bronze Chimera of Arezzo. As for its atmosphere, the upper part of Arezzo is an excellent example of medieval architecture and is home to the city’s landmarks.
Due to its proximity to Florence (80 km/50 mi.), Arezzo is a must-stop on your road trip to Tuscany. In this travel guide to Arezzo, you’ll find the city’s top tourist attractions and some unique itineraries. Moreover, if you plan to stay a few nights there, I’ll share a handpicked selection of hotels.
So, let’s start with the best things to do in Arezzo.
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Things to do in Arezzo: a travel guide
In the following lines, you’ll find the best things to do in Arezzo. The first five are the must-sees for people on a day trip to Arezzo; the following five are mainly for people who plan to spend at least a night in Arezzo.
While you can visit everything on your own, if you enjoy guided tours and you feel like having someone show you around, some locals are ready to help. There are several tours to choose from, but the best one is this compact 2,5 hours tour around the town.
So, the 5+5 things you need to see and do in Arezzo are:
Visit the Piazza Grande
If you have time to see only one spot in Arezzo, it should be the legendary Piazza Grande. This stunning square is the heart and soul of Arezzo and is probably the most beautiful piazza in Tuscany. Its sloping rectangular shape facilitates the flow of rainwater and indicates how steep the hill of Arezzo is.
While the Piazza Grande is the most iconic place to have lunch in Arezzo, that’s not the only reason to visit it. That’s also where the Saracen joust of Arezzo takes place twice a year. The so-called Giostra del Saracino fascinates the city’s visitors every June and September. It is an ancient game of chivalry that dates back to the Middle Ages, and you’ll see colorful costumes and galloping horses.
When walking around Piazza Grande, take some time to admire its architecture. The elegant Palazzo delle Logge, designed by Giorgio Vasari, the Church of Santa Maria della Pieve, the Torre Faggiolana from the 13th century, and the tower of the Lappoli family are among the square’s masterpieces. Finally, the palace of the Confraternita dei Laici is one of the oddest yet beautiful in town: its lower level is in Gothic style, while the upper part is in Renaissance style.
Last but not least, on the first weekend of the month, the Piazza Grande hosts one of the best Antique Fairs in Italy. So if you happen to be in the city, make sure to stroll around and discover an eclectic mix of pieces from former times.
Arezzo travel tip
Despite its compact size, Arezzo is full of fascinating stories. Consider booking a walking tour to make the most of your visit. The local guides offer guided walks in English, and you’ll learn everything about the iconic city. There’s a fantastic private walking tour in Arezzo that will take you to Piazza Grande, the Cathedral of St. Peter and Donato, and the Medici’s fortress. You can book the walking tour here.
See the Duomo San Donato: The Cathedral of Arezzo
The Roman Catholic Cathedral of Arezzo is one of the city’s landmarks. Located on Arezzo’s upper part, the Cathedral is dedicated to San Donato. Its construction started in 1278, and it didn’t finish before 1511.
The entrance is, of course, free of charge, and walking in the interior is a must. The ceiling of the Duomo features stunning frescoes by Guillaume de Marcillat and Salvi Castellucci. Plus, you can also see Piero della Francesca’s Mary Magdalene from mid 15th century.
Discover Arezzo through a movie: La Vita è Bella
Did you know that several scenes of Roberto Benigni’s iconic movie La Vita è Bella were filmed in Arezzo? In the video above, you can see the Piazza Grande as it appears in the film.
But the Piazza Grande is just one of the film’s locations. If you like discovering places through movies, you can follow the steps of Roberto Benigni in Arezzo. Places like the school at Porta Buia or the beautiful Caffè dei Costanti offered some famous scenes in the movie. Add a stop at the Petrarca Theatre, the Duomo, and the Basilica di San Francesco, and you’ll have the complete movie set in front of your eyes.
Piero’s masterpiece: visit the Basilica of San Francesco
One of the best things to do in Arezzo is to stop by the Basilica of San Francesco. This Medieval church is dedicated to St Francis of Assisi, but its fame comes from a work of art. In the Basilica’s chancel, you will see the Legends of the True Cross, the masterpiece of Piero della Francesca.
The frescoes don’t follow a chronological order and depict several episodes, including The Burial of the Holy Cross, the Annunciation, and Constantine’s Dream. Painted in the unique style of Piero della Francesca, they occupy the sidewalls of the Basilica. Don’t miss it.
Try Arezzo’s cuisine
No visit to Italy is complete without tasting its delicious cuisine. And, as it’s the case everywhere in Tuscany, you’ll also have the option to drink some of the world’s most delicious wines. So even if you don’t plan to stay overnight in Arezzo, it’ll be a pity not to stop somewhere for lunch.
So, what to eat in Arezzo? Pasta, cheese, and fine wine are what you’re looking for. One of the most famous local dishes is the all’aretina pappardelle, which consists of pappardelle (broad and flat pasta) with hare sauce. Also, the gnocchi with spinach and cheese are indicative of the region’s taste, and the same goes for pici, the thick, hand-rolled pasta.
There’s also an even better option for food lovers: to eat at a local’s home. You can go shopping at the market with your host, return to their place, and taste a traditional lunch or dinner. You can see one offer for home cooking here, and if you want to make and taste your own pasta, make sure to check out the pasta-making class.
Bonus: 5 more things to do in Arezzo
I added an extra list of things to see in Arezzo because they require more time. Most people will visit Arezzo on a day trip, but if you are among the lucky ones and spend a night, you can consider visiting.
Visit Casa Vasari
Giorgio Vasari was a prolific painter, architect, and writer. His house at Via XX Settembre, 55, is nowadays a museum. It’s one of the nicest buildings in Arezzo and features more than 50 paintings and frescoes. So don’t miss the chance and see one of the few remaining artist’s studios of the Rennaisance.
The Archaeological Museum
That’s a museum dedicated to Gaio Cilnio Mecenate, an important Etruscan figure. Subsequently, the museum showcases the city’s Etruscan past and houses a collection from Etruscan and Roman times. So if you’d like to see Etruscan objects and get an idea about their civilization, that’s the place to visit. See the opening times here.
The Roman Amphitheatre of Arezzo
The beautiful Roman Amphitheater is the most extensive archaeological site of Arezzo. It was founded between 117 and 138 AD and could accommodate more than eight thousand people. Several events and celebrations took place on its premises. The extensive restorations of the 20th century allow us to visit a stunning location.
The Medici Fortress
Built more than 500 years ago by the renowned Medici family, the fortress offers spectacular panoramas of the region due to its position on Arezzo’s hilltop. It has a pentagonal shape, and the area around the Medici Fortress serves as a park. Enjoy a stroll and see how beautiful Tuscany is.
Museum of Medieval and Modern Art (Palazzo Bruni Ciocchi)
Known also as “Dogana,” the Palazzo Bruni Ciocchi hosts an excellent collection of Medieval and Modern Art. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, and a couple of Vasari’s iconic paintings are presented here. The museum is open daily (except Mondays), and admission is free.
Where to stay in Arezzo, Italy
Even though you won’t need more than a couple of hours to see the city’s top attractions, I strongly recommend staying at least one night in Arezzo. Apart from enjoying a slower vacation, you’ll also see a different Arezzo in the evening after the daytrippers are gone.
On the other hand, Arezzo can serve as a base for your road trip to Tuscany due to its strategic location. Therefore, if you’re searching for a place to stay for a couple of nights, Arezzo is a great option. That said, in this section, I’ll share my handpicked selection of hotels to stay in Arezzo, together with a few words about each. These are:
Il Piccolo Cavour B&B. One of the finest options for your stay in Arezzo is the Piccolo Cavour. This charming B&B is on a renovated 18th-century building, and most of its rooms feature fresco paintings. The Piccolo Cavour is at the city’s heart, and its six rooms will give you a true home feeling. See Il Piccolo Cavour B&B.
Residence Peloni. That’s a modern residence offering spacious rooms and a modern design. It’s less than one kilometer away from Piazza Grande, and it’s ideal if you’d like to stay somewhere a bit quieter. Book your room at the Residence Peloni.
Residenza Fra Le Torri. This 62 sq.m. apartment is just 5 minutes from the Santa Maria della Pieve church. Set in a 19th-century building, the Fra Le Torri has a private patio and a dining area. See Fra Le Torri.
Hotel Continentale. One of the few traditional hotels in Arezzo, the Hotel Continentale offers modern rooms. This 4-star hotel was recently refurbished, and a breakfast buffet is included in the price. Check the prices for Hotel Continentale.
I Portici Boutique Hotel. On the fourth floor of an iconic building (with an elevator), I Portici is an excellent option for your stay in Arezzo due to its proximity to all places of interest. It’s just 150 meters from the train station of Arezzo and close to the Piazza Grande. The marble bathrooms and the antique furniture give a unique touch to the hotel. See the prices for I Portici.
Vogue Hotel Arezzo. Finally, the Vogue Hotel offers 26 beautiful rooms in the city’s heart. The superior rooms look much better than the standard ones; therefore, if you can afford one, go for it and enjoy some spectacular Arezzo views. See the Vogue Hotel.
Please use the interactive map below for all other accommodation options in Arezzo, Italy.
Arezzo Travel Guide: Final thoughts
Arezzo is one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany and a must-see for your Italian road trip. As I wrote in other travel guides about Tuscany, each place deserves an overnight stay. Since Arezzo is bigger than places like Pienza or San Gimignano, you need more time to see it. The city has a wealth of landmarks, and it’s a joy to walk around, even though it’s steep.
For those on a road trip in Tuscany, Arezzo is a much better base than Siena. The latter, despite its architectural interest, felt more distant. As a base, Arezzo ticks all the boxes: it’s not too small to get bored, not too big to get lost, and it’s an affordable destination to spend a couple of days. So visit Arezzo and discover a city that feels like a time capsule from Etruscan times.
More Tuscany: San Gimignano, Pienza, Taormina, Siena wine tours, Florence facts, Florence art tours
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Last Updated on May 2, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos