HOME
THE REGIONS OF ITALY
PLACES IN ITALY
Italy in Photos
Piazza Del Duomo, 52100 Arezzo, Italy (May 2019)
Arezzo
Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Arezzo is a city where history, art, and culture converge in a timeless embrace. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, Florence and Siena, Arezzo possesses a quiet charm and an authenticity that make it a treasure for travellers seeking a genuine Italian experience. With roots stretching back to the Etruscan civilization, Arezzo’s streets are steeped in centuries of history, and every corner tells a story of the city’s enduring significance in art, commerce, and religion.
Arezzo’s historical centre is a captivating maze of medieval streets, elegant piazzas, and soaring churches. At the heart of the city lies Piazza Grande, a trapezoidal square that epitomizes the Tuscan love for harmonious urban design. Surrounded by striking medieval and Renaissance buildings, this square is not only a visual delight but also a cultural hub, hosting vibrant markets, festivals, and the famed Giostra del Saracino, a historic jousting tournament that brings the city’s past vividly to life. The architectural unity of Piazza Grande, with its sloping cobblestones and arcaded palaces, reflects Arezzo’s long-standing prosperity and its strategic importance during the Middle Ages.
Arezzo is also a city of art, with treasures that have earned it a revered place in Italian cultural history. The Piero della Francesca cycle in the Church of San Francesco is one of the city’s most celebrated artistic gems. These frescoes, masterpieces of perspective and light, depict the Legend of the True Cross with a serene grandeur that has captivated scholars and visitors alike for centuries. Beyond Piero della Francesca, Arezzo is dotted with works by other Renaissance luminaries, including Giorgio Vasari, a native of the city and a key figure in the development of Mannerism. Vasari’s influence is felt not only in his paintings but also in the architectural heritage he left behind, making Arezzo a living gallery of Renaissance innovation.
Beyond its artistic and historical significance, Arezzo offers a glimpse into traditional Tuscan life. Its bustling markets, such as the monthly antique fair, showcase local craftsmanship, from jewellery to ceramics, echoing centuries-old artisan traditions. The city’s cuisine is equally evocative of the region, emphasizing robust flavours, locally sourced ingredients, and timeless recipes that celebrate simplicity and quality. Wandering through the narrow streets, one can find charming cafés and trattorias where the aromas of fresh pasta, roasted meats, and olive oil-rich dishes tell stories as rich as the city itself.
Moreover, Arezzo’s surrounding landscape further enhances its appeal. Rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards frame the city, providing not only breath-taking vistas but also a context for the region’s agrarian culture and culinary excellence. The proximity to other Tuscan treasures allows visitors to explore the interplay between urban and rural life, revealing a Tuscany that is both intimate and expansive.
In essence, Arezzo is a city that balances the grandeur of history with the warmth of everyday life. It is a place where medieval charm, Renaissance art, and Tuscan tradition converge, offering a richly textured experience that invites travellers to slow down, explore, and immerse themselves in the rhythms of Italian culture. Whether through its piazzas, churches, or artisanal markets, Arezzo stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and vitality of Tuscany.
Worth a Visit
The Parrocchia S.S. Annunziata Arco, located in the historic city of Arezzo in Tuscany, Italy, stands as a significant spiritual and cultural landmark. This parish church, dedicated to the Santissima Annunziata (Most Holy Annunciation), represents centuries of religious devotion, architectural heritage, and community life. Nestled within the ancient walls of Arezzo—a city renowned for its medieval roots, Renaissance art, and Etruscan origins, the church is not only a place of worship but also a custodian of history and tradition. The church takes its name from both the Annunciation, a central event in Christian theology marking the angel Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary, and the Arco, or arch, that once marked a key point of entry into the old city.
The Parrocchia di Santa Maria in Gradi, located in the charming and historically rich city of Arezzo, Tuscany, is a notable parish with deep spiritual, historical, and cultural roots. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary under the title “Santa Maria in Gradi”, the church has long served as a centre of Catholic worship and community life. Its name, which can be translated as “Saint Mary of the Steps” or “of the Degrees”, is thought to derive from its elevated position or from the steps that once led up to the original church structure, adding a symbolic layer to its identity as a place of ascent—both physical and spiritual. The church dates back to the medieval period and has seen centuries of evolution, both architecturally and in its role within the city.
Porta San Lorentino, one of the historic gateways to the city of Arezzo, stands as a remarkable example of medieval architecture and urban heritage. Located on the western side of the city, this ancient gate once served as a vital entrance along the road leading toward Florence. Built during the Middle Ages and later modified in the Renaissance period, it reflects the strategic and defensive importance of Arezzo’s city walls. The gate is named after the nearby church of San Lorentino, adding a religious and cultural significance to its identity. Over the centuries, Porta San Lorentino has witnessed the passage of merchants, travellers, and soldiers, becoming a silent guardian of Arezzo’s evolving history. Today, it remains an impressive symbol of the city’s past, harmoniously blending with the surrounding streets and offering visitors a tangible connection to Arezzo’s medieval origins and architectural beauty.
Photo Gallery of Walk in Arezzo – Piazza della Badia to Porta San Lorentino
Approximately 1.36 km – 0.84 miles
The walk starts in Piazza della Badia – Via Cavour – Piazza della S.S. Annunziata – Parrocchia S.S. Annunziata, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi – Via Cavour – Piaggia di Murello – Piazza Santa Maria in Gradi – Parrocchia S. Maria In Gradi, Piazza Santa Maria in Gradi – Piaggia di Murello – Via di Sasso Verde – Piazza Santa Maria in Gradi – Parrocchia S. Maria In Gradi, Piazza Santa Maria in Gradi – Via di Sasso Verde – Via Ricasoli – Piazza Del Duomo – Via Ricasoli – Via S. Lorentino – Porta San Lorentino
COPYRIGHT © 2018-2026 ITALY IN PHOTOS - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED