Arezzo is a city in Eastern Tuscany of Etruscan origin, as evidenced by the findings of the bronze statue of the Chimera.The city is home to many great artists, great wine and delicious food, as well as stunning views from the Medicean Fortress.
We ask local Arezzo guide, Debora, for the perfect 48 hour itinerary of this spectacular Tuscan town.
“Here is a guide to outline a full immersion between Arezzo and Anghiari, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, in 48 hours…
Firstly take a tour of Arezzo and visit some of many charming squadre and side streets. Starting from St. Peter’s Hill, you can admire the Cathedral of Arezzo. The interior is in Gothic style with the beautiful Renaissance stained glass windows by Guillaume de Marcillat (a French artist who lived in Arezzo). You will also find the fresco of “Santa Maria Maddalena”, one of the most beautiful figures painted by Piero della Francesca. Continue walking through the old streets of Arezzo until you arrive at the Pieve di Santa Maria, built between the 9th and 11th century on top of a previous temple. It is characterized by the Romanesque façade, which is renowned for its main doorways demonstrating the “cycle of months”, a medieval polychrome sculptures representing the twelve months of the year, as well as the bell tower called “il campanile with 100 holes”.
Your guide will be able to give you a better understanding of the history of the old quarters of the city. As you continue down to Piazza Grande, the most beautiful square in Arezzo, flanked by the Logge del Vasari, and the medieval tower houses. The square brings together different styles with admirable and perfect harmony. Piazza Grande is famous for being the set of the film “La Vita è Bella” by Roberto Benigni, and it is where the Joust of Saracen (Giostra del Saracino) a medieval jousting tournament and the Antiques Fair took place. Here you will also find a wide variety of shops, restaurants, wineries and more where you can discover many of the typical products from the surrounding areas. Afterwards take a break in Palazzo Lambardi and the Roman pavement mosaic with dolphins and ducks!
Enjoy some lunch at a typical local café in piazza Grande. In the afternoon I recommend that you organise a visit to discover Casa Vasari or the fresco “The Legend of the True Cross” by Piero della Francesca in the Saint Francesco church.
Discover some more local experiences in Arezzo here.
For your second day you should make time to discover the city of Anghiari that dates back to the eleventh century when the monks of the Camaldolese order, largely responsible for the economic and artistic development of the area, came together to give shape to the town. The walls surrounding the town, whose construction date to the mid twelfth century, remain for the most part intact. The town itself is a jewel: take a stroll in the medieval streets and discover the abbeys and small churches, which offer a variety of itineraries for discovering the spiritual side of the town. The two principal museums of the town are in Palazzo Marzocco and Palazzo Taglieschi. Another museum is The Museo della Misericordia that retraces the history of Anghiari’s Confraternita della Misericordia through documents and unusual objects.
Fabric-making is undoubtedly one of Anghiari’s greatest traditions. At the end of the eighteenth century, local workers began the production of textiles, weaving sheep’s wool or local hemp. The Busatti family became part of Anghiari’s developing sector and distinguished themselves as industrious merchants. The company is especially famous for tablecloths decorated with garlands inspired by Della Robbia terracotta’s. The splendid colours they use to dye their fabrics often recall those chosen by painter Piero della Francesca.
Afterwards, make your way to the countryside to a visit in a local winery where you can relax and have lunch with good wine and spectacular views.”
Speak with us at Ormina Tours today to organise your trip to Tuscany.
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DEBORA BRESCIANILocal Arezzo guide for Ormina Tours
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