Shopping, Parking & Getting Around

Arezzo has a commercial soul so shopping is definitely on the agenda, even if it’s only about browsing the markets. Be tempted by the jewellery shops on Corso Italia before lingering over a leisurely lunch around Piazza Grande. The glut of jewellers and goldsmiths has made Arezzo rich. On the first weekend of every month, this square welcomes an antiques market, the largest of its kind in Italy. Browse for art déco knick-knacks, jewellery, clocks, books, antiquarian prints and paintings, musical instruments and vintage clothing. Not to mention vintage signs or pulpits ripped out of Neapolitan churches.

Known as gracious hosts, the Luzzi family offer wine-tasting and much more on their estate, centred on a Renaissance villa. Saverio Luzzi, the doctor-winemaker owner, is passionate about the estate’s history and wine, including Psyco, a ruby-red blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Run by doctors, the Luzzi family also makes cosmetics and skin-care products, which are created by Claudia Luzzi, the pharmacist daughter: “Vines, grapes, seeds and wine contain antioxidants, anti-ageing and soothing substances which help maintain beautiful skin,” explains Luzzi. The wine and oil can be shipped abroad; best to book a wine-tasting tour (including of the villa).

Address: Localita Antria 38, 52100 Arezzo
Web: www.villalaripa.it

Since 1842 Busatti have been manufacturing quality fabrics and are known for their natural fibres and designs inspired by the Renaissance. This family-run firm uses old-fashioned shuttle-looms to weave finely-decorated fabrics. Florentine Renaissance motifs are reproduced on anything from tablecloths to tea towels, napkins and oven mitts. The firm is based in Anghiari but have a shop in Arezzo.

Address: Corso Italia 48, Arezzo
Web: www.busatti.com

Arezzo, like most Tuscan towns, operates a strict ZTL system, a Limited Traffic Zone. This means that the Centro Storico (historic centre) is essentially closed to traffic, particularly for non-residents.

Pietri Parcheggio/Parking Pietri is probably the most convenient. From the motorway, follow directions to “Bibbiena” until you see signs for Pietri Parcheggio/Parking Pietri. Both paying and free parking is available, and you are close to the escalators which take you directly to the Historic Centre at the top of the hill.

Parking Sant’Agostino is paying, covered parking beside Piazza Sant'Agostino and within walking distance of the main sites: http://www.parking-s-agostino.com/

Parcheggio Multipiano Mecenate is a multi-storey car park open 24 hours a day.

Viale Piero della Francesca is parking close to the train station.

Advice on ZTLs: You may see other cars crossing the ZTL boundary (Limited Traffic Zone) and assume you can proceed. Not so. The drivers crossing into the ZTL zone will probably be locals and have residents’ permits. Visitors do not so are liable to fines. Zones are monitored by cameras, so tickets are issued immediately and automatically, as soon as (and each time) the car crosses the ZTL boundary.


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

To explore this area properly, especially if planning to visit the Casentino, a car is definitely advisable. By car, from the Florence-Rome motorway, take the Arezzo exit and drive a further 10 km to the city centre. Cortona is about 29 km distant, with Florence 74 km away and Siena 89 km distant.

Regular bus services connect Arezzo with Cortona and other towns in Arezzo province, as well as with Siena and Florence. Even so, much of this part of eastern Tuscany is ill-served by buses, even if there is a bus from Arezzo to Sansepolcro.

Arezzo train station is at the southern end of town, and operates regular services to Florence, Perugia and Cortona (around 45 minutes). The train to Cortona actually runs to Camucia, but from there a 15-minute shuttle-bus ride takes visitors to Cortona’s historic centre.