Few regions in the world cause as much attraction as idyllic Tuscany. Historic towns, green landscapes and an overflowing culture are what come to mind when thinking about these bucolic lands in the center of Italy. Although cities like FlorencePisa and Siennaand towns like Volterra, San Gimignano and Lucca most tourists take, it is worth taking the time to discover other hidden gems.
Surrounded by an always calm environment, it stands picturesque Arezzoa city that allows us explore lesser known Tuscany. The city is full of historical buildings with which visitors can take a real trip back in time.
The history of the city
The city of Arezzo extends on a hill that guard four valleys from the heights: Valtiberina, Casentino, Valdarno and Valdichiana. Its origins date back thousands of years, and “it was one of the greatest Etruscan hegemonies, which later became a Roman center with strategic importanceaxis of prosperous economic activities and with numerous monuments,” explains Tuscany Tourism.
At that time, the population gained relevance due to the fine work of its goldsmiths and its potterswho in both cases were capable of creating authentic works of art. Going into the Middle Ages, Arezzo was an independent nucleus, however, from 1384, it became a Florentine domain, remaining in the hands of the Medici Grand Duchy.
What to see in Arezzo
The heart of Arezzo, and a good point to start our visit to the city, is the Big Squaredominated by the imposing Palace of the Lodges. It is here that the so-called Antiques Fair is held, the oldest in all of Italy, which brings out more than 500 stalls with all kinds of objects on the streets.
From here we can quickly reach the Cathedral of Saints Donatus and Peterat the highest point of the town. It began to be built in 1278, but the work did not finish until 1511. Furthermore, inside we will find works of art of incalculable valuefrom the fresco of Mary Magdalene by Piero della Francesca to the main altar and its wooden choir designed by Giorgio Vasari.
The Medici Fortress It is another of the essential points of Arezzo. Built between 1538 and 1560, it preserves its five-pointed star-shaped structure and gives us impressive views from the top of its walls. We can continue the route passing by some of the religious buildings of the city, such as the Basilica of San Francisco and the Church of Santa Maria de la Pieve.
Finally, we can finish with several very interesting museums. He Gaio Cilnio Mecenate National Archaeological Museum is found in the old San Bernardo Monastery, built on the remains of a Roman amphitheater dating from the middle of the 2nd century AD. C. The Civic Museum of Medieval and Modern Artin the Bruni-Ciocchi Palace, exhibits sculptures and paintings from the 13th to 16th centuries by artists such as Giorgio Vasari, Margaritone and Spinello Aretino. Finally, the Vasari House Museum It is dedicated to the sculptor, painter and architect Giorgio Vasari, a native of Arezzo.