Piazza della Badia, 52100 Arezzo, Italy (May 2019)

Arezzo

Arezzo is a historic city located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, about 80 kilometres southeast of Florence. With a population of around 100,000, it is known for its rich history, artistic heritage, and picturesque landscapes that blend medieval charm with Renaissance flair. Set on a hillside where four valleys meet, Val Tiberina, Casentino, Valdarno, and Valdichianam], Arezzo offers stunning views and a glimpse into centuries of cultural and architectural evolution. Arezzo’s history dates to the Etruscans, who founded the city in the 9th century BCE, making it one of the most important cities of the Etruscan civilization. During the Roman period, Arezzo became a vital hub, known as Arretium. Its strategic location on the Roman road network helped the city flourish, especially through its production of Arretine pottery, a type of red-glazed ceramic that was widely exported across the Roman Empire. The city’s ancient past is still visible today through archaeological sites and remnants of Roman walls and amphitheatres. The Middle Ages marked a period of political turmoil for Arezzo, as it found itself embroiled in battles between Guelphs and Ghibellines, the rival factions of medieval Italy. Despite the conflicts, the city flourished, especially as an artistic and intellectual centre. Arezzo was home to Guido d’Arezzo, a Benedictine monk and music theorist who developed the modern system of musical notation in the 11th century, fundamentally shaping Western music. By the 14th century, Arezzo had become part of the Florentine Republic, and it began to experience the Renaissance cultural flowering that spread throughout Tuscany. This period left an indelible mark on the city’s architecture and art, as evidenced by the works of famed Renaissance artists like Piero della Francesca and Giorgio Vasari, both natives of Arezzo. Piero della Francesca’s renowned fresco cycle The Legend of the True Cross in the Basilica of San Francesco is considered a masterpiece of early Renaissance art and draws visitors from around the world.

Arezzo is a city where history is palpably present in its buildings, streets, and squares. The city’s historic centre is anchored by the Piazza Grande, a sloping, irregularly shaped square surrounded by medieval towers, Renaissance palaces, and arcades. Twice a year, this piazza is transformed for the Giostra del Saracino, a medieval jousting tournament that celebrates the city’s chivalric traditions. Among Arezzo’s many architectural gems is the Cathedral of San Donato, perched atop the city’s highest point. Its Gothic structure, with breathtaking stained-glass windows and works by artists like Piero della Francesca, dominates the skyline. The city is also home to the Church of Santa Maria della Pieve, one of Tuscany’s finest examples of Romanesque architecture, with its distinctive arched façade and bell tower. Arezzo’s cultural vibrancy continues to thrive, as it remains a centre for the arts and traditional crafts. In addition to its medieval and Renaissance heritage, the city is known for its thriving antique market, one of the largest in Italy, which takes place in Piazza Grande every month. Arezzo also hosts a variety of festivals, including the Guido d’Arezzo Festival, which celebrates choral music and pays homage to the city’s musical history. Arezzo is a city where past and present blend harmoniously. Its Etruscan roots, Roman importance, medieval significance, and Renaissance contributions make it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts and art lovers alike, while its lively markets and festivals ensure that it remains a vibrant, living city.

Worth a Visit

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