Arezzo

When visiting Tuscany, the city of Arezzo, nestled in the heart of the region, invites visitors to explore its rich history, culture and artistic heritage, making it worth a visit. Renowned as the birthplace of famed artists like Piero della Francesca, this enchanting city boasts captivating medieval architecture, including the iconic Piazza Grande sitting on an angle. Arezzo's storied past, dating back to Etruscan times, unfolds through its labyrinthine streets. Beyond its artistic allure, Arezzo offers a vibrant atmosphere brimming with authentic Tuscan charm, from its bustling markets to quaint trattorias serving delectable local cuisine.    

Situated mid-way between Florence and Perugia, Arezzo is an ideal base for exploring Tuscany's treasures, from the vineyard-dotted landscapes of Chianti to the timeless beauty of nearby hilltop towns like Cortona and Montepulciano. Whether indulging in cultural pursuits, culinary delights, or simply basking in the timeless allure of Tuscan life, Arezzo promises an unforgettable holiday experience.  If you are looking for the perfect accommodation close to the city, browse our collection of handpicked villas near Arezzo.

If you wish to make the most of your visit, continue reading our guide to Arezzo. Explore the top things to see and do, the best places to eat and drink and the easiest ways to get around – all recommended by our Villa Specialists.

From the unique lopsided main square where you can grab a coffee and watch the world go by to the plethora of churches to admire, there is plenty to do during a visit to Arezzo. The antiques market, at the start of each month, is also not to be missed.

Piazza Grande

Arezzo's unique sloping central square has sat at the heart of this city since the Medieval times. Take a seat at one of the many cafes that line the square and take in the hustle and bustle of the city. Don't miss the vibrant Giostra del Saracino, a jousting tournament held twice a year, or the antiques fair held on the first weekend of each month – the largest and oldest of its kind in Italy!

Piazza Grande, Arezzo

Basilica di San Francesco

For art lovers, delve into the artistic mastery of Piero della Francesca's frescoes in the Basilica of San Francesco. These well-preserved frescoes, having survived an earthquake, lightning and an attack by Napoleonic troops, depict the Legend of the True Cross in the local artist’s haunting style. This church is often considered the start of a spiritual trail in Piero della Francesca’s footsteps that also leads back to the artist’s hometown of Sansepolcro.

Basilica di San Francesco, Via di San Francesco

Duomo di Arezzo

Explore the Arezzo Cathedral, also known as the Duomo dei Santi Donato e Pietro, a Gothic marvel housing exquisite stained-glass windows and the Gothic tomb of Guido Tarlati, which flanks the serene St Mary Magdalene fresco by Piero della Francesca. The church stands at the highest point in town, near the Medieval Palazzo Comunale.

Cattedrale dei Santi Donato e Pietro ad Arezzo
Piazza Del Duomo, 1, 52100 Arezzo

Museo Archeologico

Set in the southern section of the city, this museum overlooks the remains of a Roman amphitheatre that once welcomed around 10,000 spectators. Uncover Arezzo's ancient past where Etruscan and Roman artifacts are showcased, including the Aretine waterproof tableware which made Arezzo’s name.

Archaeological Museum Gaio Cilnio Mecenate
Via Margaritone, 10
52100 Arezzo

Museo di Casa Vasari

Step into the home of renowned Arezzo-born artist Giorgio Vasari (1511-74), often hailed as the world's first art historian. This home was built for Vasari and decorated with frescoes of the artists he most admired. The 500th anniversary of his birth was celebrated in Arezzo in 2011, including the painstaking restoration of a Vasari altarpiece before visitors’ very eyes.

Casa Vasari, Via XX Settembre, 55
52100 Arezzo

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pieve

Rising from the southern side of Piazza Grande, sitting on the Corso, is the Santa Maria della Pieve Arezzo's oldest church. Admire the Romanesque beauty of the church, adorned with intricate carvings and Pietro Lorenzetti's masterpiece. The church also boasts a so-called `tower of a hundred holes' named due to the numerous mullioned windows.

Corso Italia 7, Arezzo

Arezzo Antique's market

The Arezzo Antiques market is the largest and oldest in Italy, having been established in 1968 thanks to the efforts of antiques dealer and collector Ivan Bruschi. The market comes to life in the Piazza San Francesco, Piazza Grande and the Loggio Vasari, each filling with stands of antiques dealer, collectors and all those curious to explore the event and immerse themselves in the charm and elegance of the event.

The market is held on the first Sunday of the month and the Saturday before.

Piazza Grande, 2, 52100 Arezzo AR, Italy

Local cuisine from Arezzo is highly recommended, with a great range of traditional and modern Tuscan cuisine. The area of Arezzo is famous for producing olive oil, beans, cheeses, honey and meats such as Valdarno chicken and Chianina beef, as well as cold cuts like Capocollo, Finocchiona and Tuscan salami. 

Arezzo’s local wine, Colli Aretini, is the perfect accompaniment to any meal, which should end with a plate of cantuccini, a classic Tuscan dessert pairing crunchy almond biscuits and Vin Santo wine. Alternatively, visitors can savour classic Tuscan cuisine with a hearty bowl of ribollita, a rustic soup made with bread, vegetables, and beans, or sample the renowned bistecca alla Fiorentina, chargrilled T-bone steak, especially as neighbouring Val di Chiana is considered the best place for steak in Tuscany.

Recommended restaurants (as selected by our team):

Antica Osteria L'Agania
Addres: Via Giuseppe Mazzini 10, Arezzo 52100 (AR)
Tel: +39 0575 29.53.81
Web: www.agania.it

Antica Vineria dell’Agania
Addres: Via Giuseppe Mazzini 14, Arezzo 52100 (AR)
Tel: +39 0575 30.02.05
Web: www.agania.it

La Lancia d'Oro
Addres: Piazza Grande 18, Arezzo 52100 (AR)
Tel: +39 0575 21033 
Web: https://ristorantelanciadoro.it/

Ristorante Logge Vasari 
Address: Piazza Grande, 52100 Arezzo AR, Italy
Tel: +39 0575 295894 
Web: https://loggevasari.it/

Driving to Arezzo

Arezzo can be easily reached by car and the city itself has several car parks in around the centre. 

Road distances from Arezzo

Cortona - 29 km
Florence - 74 km
Siena - 89 km
Perugia - 92 km
Rome - 218 km.

Public transport to Arezzo

Arezzo train station is located along the Bologna-Rome railway line and has daily connection with both Intercity and Freccia Rossa trains from Florence, Rome and the rest of Italy.

The station is very close to the Arezzo Antiques Fair, leaving the terminal you can reach it in just over 10 minutes on foot.

https://fieraantiquaria.org/dove-e-quando/ 

https://www.visitarezzo.com/trovare-parcheggi-auto-arezzo/gratuito-pagamento-autobus

Arezzo can be the perfect base for exploring Tuscany and its plethora of medieval towns and world-famous countryside adorned with vineyards and olive groves. Learn more about the nearby towns and cities below.

Cortona

Set close to the Umbrian border, 30 km south of Arezzo, Cortona is one of the most delightful hill towns in Tuscany. The town found fame in Under the Tuscan Sun, it is the perfect place to wander and take in the views, as well as visit some of the delightful restaurants and bars which line the streets.

See our Cortona guide for more information.

Perugia

Perugia, located in the heart of Umbria, captivates visitors with its rich historical heritage and stunning landscapes. Renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, the city hosts the world-famous Umbria Jazz Festival and the yearly Eurochocolate festival. Visitors can explore charming, cobbled streets, indulge in authentic Umbrian cuisine at local trattorias, and immerse themselves in the region's artistic treasures at the National Gallery of Umbria.

See our Perugia guide for more information.

Castelnuovo Berardenga

Sitting on the southern border of the Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga has a peaceful atmosphere and a sense of authentic Tuscan-style living. This historic area is steeped in heritage, featuring historic churches, quaint villages and many restaurants for visitors to indulge in Tuscan cuisine. Chianti bicycles also sit in the commune, so why not rent a bike and explore the local landscape in the open air?

See our Castelnuovo Berardenga guide for more information.

The Chianti

Chianti, renowned for its picturesque vineyards and rolling hills, is a quintessential region in Tuscany, cherished for its world-class wine production. This stunning landscape is dotted with medieval villages, such as Castellina in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, and Greve in Chianti, to name a few, as well as historic castles and charming wineries like Castello di Brolio and Castello di Ama. Whether exploring on foot, car, bike or even by Vespa, The Chianti is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

See our Chianti guide for more information.

“Arezzo stands as a hidden jewel within Tuscany, frequently overshadowed yet offering the advantage of fewer tourists, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the essence of the region. Here, traditional architecture seamlessly intertwines with contemporary boutiques, creating a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern allure.”
~ Lindsy, Villa Specialist

Ready to start planning your holiday? Discover our extensive selection of villas around Arezzo. Whether you seek a secluded retreat for a romantic getaway or a spacious haven for a family reunion, our superb villas cater to every preference. Nestled within the enchanting province of Arezzo, our villas serve as the perfect base for exploring all of Tuscany. 

Explore our Arezzo and Cortona villas to start planning your Tuscan holiday today. Alternatively, entrust your holiday planning to our team of Villa Specialists. With their firsthand experience and intimate knowledge of the region, they'll ensure you find the ultimate Tuscan holiday tailored to you.