Length of Tour: 3 hours
Arezzo is art and architecture without crowds, including the magnificent 15th- century frescoes by Piero della Francesca; it is also one of the main Italian centers of gold jewelry production.
This tour takes you through the historic center of Arezzo. Both its civic and religious architecture are extremely well-preserved. With your local guide you will visit:
Piazza Grande, also known as Piazza Vasari
This large area is, in all probability, where the Roman forum was located. The west side of the square is characterized by the apse of the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria and the Baroque Palazzo del Tribunale (Court of Law). On the north side, there is the Palazzo delle Logge, designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1573. The Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracen) is the most characteristic event held in the square and re-enacts a part of the town’s history, dating to the Middle Ages. It consists of a colorful procession with over 300 characters and flag throwers in medieval costume and a jousting tournament where knights on horseback, representing the four districts of the town, charge toward the Saracen (a revolving armor-plated dummy in the center of the square) and attempt to hit his shield. The square also hosts the monthly Antiques Market, set up in 1968. Arezzo was made famous by the Tuscan actor and film director, Roberto Benigni, in his film La Vita è Bella (Life is Beautiful).
Church of San Domenico
The church was founded in 1275; its construction was completed at the beginning of the 14th century. It contains the renowned 13th-century wooden crucifix of Cimabue.
Church of San Francesco
In the interior of the church, in the Bacci Chapel, there is an early Renaissance masterpiece, the magnificent fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca, titled The Legend of the True Cross. There is an entrance fee and reservations are OBLIGATORY.
Cathedral of San Donato
The church, dedicated to Arezzo’s patron saint, is predominantly Gothic in style. Among the works of art in the interior, there is the 14th-century sepulcher of Pope Gregory X, the 14th-century cenotaph dedicated to Guido Tarlati, Piero della Francesca’s fresco, Mary Magdalene, and the stained glassed windows by Guillaume de Marcillat.
Please note: entrance fees are extra.