Arezzo

Arezzo is the capital of the province of Arezzo in eastern Tuscany, about 80 km southeast of Florence. With nearly 100.000 inhabitants, it is one of the largest cities in the region – yet considerably quieter than Florence or Siena. Highlights include the quirky Piazza Grande, Piero della Francesca's fresco cycle in San Francesco, the large antiques market, and the Giostra del Saracino equestrian tournament.

Sights in Arezzo

The old town is situated on a hill and is easily explored on foot. You should plan a full day for the main sights.

Piazza Grande

The sloping main square is the medieval heart of the city. On the north side stands the long Palazzo delle Logge with its arcades designed by Giorgio Vasari, surrounded by family towers and houses with wooden balconies. The Giostra del Saracino and the antiques market take place here. Adjacent to the square is the apse of the Romanesque church of Santa Maria della Pieve.

San Francesco: the frescoes by Piero della Francesca

In the Cappella Bacci of the Basilica of San Francesco, Piero della Francesca painted the "Legend of the True Cross" in the 15th century (completed 1466) – one of the most important fresco cycles of the Early Renaissance. Visiting the chapel is only possible with a reservation in time slots of 30 minutes; according to the state museum administration, you should book at least three working days in advance. Admission 6 € plus 3 € reservation fee (as of 2026). The nave of the church itself is freely accessible.

Cathedral of San Donato and Fortezza Medicea

The Gothic cathedral is situated at the highest point of the old town and houses, among other things, a fresco of Mary Magdalene by Piero della Francesca. Behind it stretches a large city park and the Fortezza Medicea, the Medici-era fortress offering beautiful views over the city and surrounding area.

Casa Vasari, Casa del Petrarch and Museo Mecenate

Arezzo is the birthplace of the poet Francesco Petrarch (1304) and the painter and art historian Giorgio Vasari (1511). Vasari's own house, the Casa Vasari, which he decorated with murals, is now a museum, as is the Casa del Petrarca. The Gaio Cilnio Mecenate Archaeological Museum is located next to the remains of the Roman amphitheater and displays Etruscan and Roman artifacts. Incidentally, Michelangelo was not born in Arezzo, but in the small town of Caprese (now Caprese Michelangelo) in the province of Arezzo.

Full screen display

Markets and festivals in Arezzo

Saturday weekly market

The large weekly market takes place every Saturday morning in the Viale Giotto area, just outside the old town. It offers food, clothing, household goods, and plants. An overview of all weekly markets can be found in our article " Markets in Tuscany by Day of the Week".

Fiera Antiquaria – one of the largest antique markets in Italy

On the first Sunday of every month and the Saturday before, hundreds of vendors fill the Piazza Grande and the surrounding streets with furniture, paintings, jewelry, books, and bric-a-brac. Individual dates occasionally vary (e.g., special three-day events) – the current calendar is published by the city of Arezzo. Arrive early, as parking is scarce on market days.

Joust of the Saracen

Twice a year, the four city districts (Quartieri) compete against each other in a joust in the Piazza Grande: the riders gallop towards a puppet of the "Saracen King" with a lance. 2026 the jousts take place on June 20 and September 6; the September edition traditionally takes place on the first Sunday of the month. The days before are marked by rehearsals, parades in historical costumes and feasts in the districts.

Practical tips for your visit

Arrival and parking

Arezzo is located on the Florence–Rome railway line and can be reached directly from Florence by regional train – making it a great day trip. By car, you can reach the city via the A1 motorway (Arezzo exit). The historic center is a Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL), so park outside the city, for example at the Pietri car park, from which escalators lead up into the historic center. Special rules may apply during events. You can find motorhome pitches in our overview of motorhome pitches in Tuscany.

Food and wine

The cuisine around Arezzo is hearty: ribollita, pasta with wild boar ragout, porchetta, and bistecca alla fiorentina made with Chianina beef, traditionally raised in the nearby Val di Chiana. The hills surrounding the city produce Chianti Colli Aretini DOCG and Vin Santo. Learn more in our article about Tuscan wines.

The City of Gold

Arezzo is one of the most important centers of gold jewelry production in Italy. The modern industry emerged in the 1920s with the workshop of Leopoldo Gori and Carlo Zucchi. Besides jewelry, you'll find many antique and artisan shops in the narrow streets.

Following in the footsteps of "La vita è bella" and the Mona Lisa

Roberto Benigni filmed large parts of his movie "Life Is Beautiful" (1997, three Oscars) in Arezzo, including scenes in the Piazza Grande. Northwest of the city, the medieval Ponte Buriano spans the Arno River – according to a popular theory, it is the bridge in the background of Leonardo's Mona Lisa. For those wishing to explore further afield: Siena ( Siena city tour ) and Florence ( Florence city tour ) are easily accessible.

Guided tours and accommodation

Those who want to experience the city with background information can find guided city tours and excursions at GetYourGuide: Tours and activities in Arezzo . Compare hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals in the old town and surrounding area at Booking.com: Accommodation in Arezzo – book early for the Fiera Antiquaria and the Giostra.

Frequently asked questions about Arezzo