Arezzo, Medieval city-state in Tuscany, Italy.
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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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Arezzo Cathedral
603 m
San Francesco, Arezzo
280 m
Santa Maria della Pieve
491 m
San Domenico, Arezzo
744 m
Fortezza Medicea
871 m
Casa Vasari
680 m
Santa Maria delle Grazie church
1.4 km
Castello di Sorci
17 km
Santa Maria delle Vertighe
18 km
Badia delle Sante Flora e Lucilla, Arezzo
286 m
Roman Amphitheatre of Arezzo
342 m
Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici
508 m
Santissima Annunziata
451 m
Castello di Montauto
14.4 km
State Museum of Medieval and Modern Art
556 m
Gaio Cilnio Mecenate State Archaeological Museum
287 m
Sant'Agostino
387 mMonte Lignano
6.5 km
San Michele
301 m
San Bernardo
297 mCastello di Galbino
14.4 km
Palazzo Pretorio
547 mRiserva naturale di Ponte a Buriano e Penna
11.4 km
Badia di Anghiari
16.9 km
Palazzo del Governo
242 m
Sargiano covent
3.8 kmDiocesan museum of sacred art
480 m
Palazzo Pretorio of Anghiari
16.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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