Arezzo, Medieval city-state in Tuscany, Italy.
Arezzo is a medieval town sitting on a hilltop in eastern Tuscany, about 80 kilometers southeast of Florence. Old walls encircle the historic center, which rises at 296 meters above sea level and features narrow lanes and sloping streets.
An Etruscan settlement called Aritim arose here in the 9th century BC, before the Romans established a military post in 311 BC. During the Middle Ages, the town developed into an independent commune and later became an important trade center in the region.
The Basilica of San Francesco holds frescoes by Piero della Francesca, while the Gothic cathedral of San Donato displays sculptures by the Della Robbia workshop. The main square serves today as a meeting place for locals and transforms once a month into one of the country's most recognized antique markets.
The train station offers direct connections to Florence roughly every 30 minutes, so visitors can easily reach the medieval streets and museums. The historic center is compact and walkable, though comfortable shoes are advisable because of the many hills and cobblestones.
The monthly antiques fair on Piazza Grande turns the square into one of Italy's largest open-air markets for antiques, drawing collectors from across the country. Many items come from Tuscan country estates and offer direct access to regional crafts and historical furniture.
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