Arezzo

Under Roman rule, Arretium obtained municipal status and Roman citizenship in 90 BC. The city became especially famous for its red-gloss pottery, which was exported throughout the Roman world. Important public structures included a theater, thermal baths, and an amphitheater built during Hadrian's reign. From the second century AD, Arretium gradually declined as nearby Florentia expanded.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Arezzo remained strategically important because of its location along the Via Cassia. The city stood between Gothic and Byzantine territories before being occupied by the Lombards. Under Frankish rule, the authority of its bishops increased. A communal government was documented in 1098, while the city's Studium was founded in 1252.

Medieval Arezzo achieved significant political and cultural importance but suffered a major defeat against Florence at the Battle of Campaldino in 1289. Bishop Guglielmino Ubertini was killed during the battle. The Tarlati family later controlled the city under Guido Tarlati. Arezzo lost its independence temporarily in 1337 and permanently entered the Florentine state in 1384.

During Medici rule, Arezzo's fortifications and urban structure were extensively reorganized. The reclamation of the Val di Chiana during the eighteenth century improved the surrounding territory. Arezzo became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860 and later expanded through railways and industry. During the Second World War, bombing destroyed nearly sixty percent of the city before its liberation on July 16, 1944.

The city lies in the northern part of the Val di Chiana, near the meeting point of several major Tuscan valleys. Casentino begins directly north of Arezzo, while the Upper Valdarno extends northwest toward Florence. To the northeast, routes through the Torrino Pass, Cerfone Valley, and Scheggia Pass provide access to the Valtiberina.

The municipal territory of Arezzo contains varied landscapes. The terrain ranges from the broad plain of the Val di Chiana to hills south of the city and mountainous areas concentrated mainly in the east. The Castro and Vingone streams cross the urban area before flowing into the Canale Maestro della Chiana, following the ancient Clanis riverbed.

Arezzo is located in eastern Tuscany, relatively close to Umbria and several major Italian cities. It lies about 60 kilometers east of Siena and 75 kilometers southeast of Florence. Perugia is approximately 74 kilometers away, Bologna 170 kilometers north, Rome 223 kilometers south, Venice 280 kilometers north, Milan 390 kilometers northwest, and Naples 435 kilometers southeast.

By road: Arezzo is easily accessible from the A1 Autostrada del Sole, which connects northern and southern Italy. Drivers can leave the motorway at the Arezzo exit and continue toward the city center along the connecting road. Regional routes also provide direct links with Siena, Florence, Perugia, the Val di Chiana, Casentino, and the Upper Tiber Valley.

By bus: Regional and intercity buses connect Arezzo with nearby towns, smaller settlements, and areas not directly served by railway lines. Services operate toward destinations across the province and neighboring parts of Tuscany and Umbria. The main bus stops are located near the railway station, allowing passengers to transfer conveniently between local buses, regional services, and trains.

By air: The closest airport is Amerigo Vespucci Airport near Florence, approximately 82 kilometers from Arezzo. San Francesco d'Assisi Airport near Perugia is about 85 kilometers away. Galileo Galilei Airport in Pisa, located around 150 kilometers from the city, provides a wider selection of domestic and international flights and can be reached by road or rail.

Getting around Arezzo: Local buses serve residential districts, suburban areas, the railway station, and destinations outside the historic center. However, the old town is relatively compact and is best explored on foot. Its main squares, churches, palaces, museums, and archaeological sites can be reached within a few hours, although several streets are steep because of the hilly terrain.

Santa Maria della Pieve is distinguished by its Romanesque façade and its 59-meter bell tower, traditionally known as the Tower of a Hundred Holes. The main portal features a sculptural cycle representing the months. Inside the church are Pietro Lorenzetti's polyptych and the reliquary bust of Saint Donatus, Arezzo's patron saint.

Many of Arezzo's principal civic monuments surround Piazza Grande, including the Logge del Vasari and the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici. Other important attractions include the Palazzo dei Priori, Palazzo Pretorio, Casa Vasari, Casa del Petrarca, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Medici Fortress, which overlooks the city from the hill of San Donato.

What is Arezzo famous for?
Arezzo is famous for its Etruscan origins, medieval architecture, Piazza Grande, the Saracen Joust, and artworks by Piero della Francesca, Cimabue, and Giorgio Vasari.

What are the main attractions in Arezzo?
The main attractions include Piazza Grande, Arezzo Cathedral, Santa Maria della Pieve, the Basilica of San Francesco, Casa Vasari, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Medici Fortress.

How many days are needed to visit Arezzo?
One full day is sufficient to see the principal attractions, although two days allow more time for museums, churches, archaeological sites, and the historic streets.

When is the Saracen Joust held?
The Giostra del Saracino takes place twice annually: on the penultimate Saturday of June and on the first Sunday of September in Piazza Grande.

Which airports are closest to Arezzo?
The closest airports are Florence Airport, approximately 82 kilometers away, and Perugia Airport, about 85 kilometers away. Pisa Airport is located around 150 kilometers away.