arezzo


Rising up from the floodplain of the Arno is the delightful hill town of Arezzo.  Known as one of several important Etruscan cities, as noted in the many remains and artifacts still existent from the period, Arezzo has made remarkable contributions to Western civilization.  Rich in artistic and musical history, there is much to see and do here, and it should begin on foot.  This is a city for a walking tour, with scores of beautiful Gothic and Romanesque churches, towers and palaces, including the arresting the Vasari Loggia on Piazza Grande and remnants of the ancient Roman Amphitheatre.  The town is carved into two sections because of its topography, with its upper segment attended by a cathedral, town hall, and the Medici Fortress, from which narrow city streets stretch branch off toward the lower end.

Because of its influence during the Middle Ages, each year Arezzo hosts a medieval festival, featuring knights on horseback and townspeople in medieval garb.  If you’re fond of wandering marketplaces, Arezzo is known for hosting one of the best monthly antiques market right in the piazza, replete with all sorts of goodies, such as antiques, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, and more.   The area is renowned for its foundries, including a large gold manufacturing plant, and the early production of red painted vases (known as the “coral vases”), which were traded throughout the Roman Empire.  With its charming shops and cafes, as well as a marvelous backdrop , as celebrated in Roberto Benigni’s Life is Beautiful, Arezzo entertains never a dull day.