Church of Santa Maria della Pieve

The Church of Santa Maria della Pieve is a Romanesque church in Arezzo, located in Corso Italia, with the apse facing Piazza Grande.

SHORT HISTORY

The first documented information about a church in this area dates back to the year 1008. However, the current structure was begun in the 12th century, thanks to the funds provided by the Municipality of Arezzo.

In the 13th century, a new facade was built, while the high bell-tower was completed only in 1330.

During the 16th century and later, the interior of the church was modified with stucco and Baroque-style decorations.

In the 19th century, a renovation eliminated all the Baroque decorations, with the aim of restoring the church to its original Romanesque appearance.

ARCHITECTURE

The facade overlooking Corso Italia, rebuilt in the 13th century, has three loggias supported by small columns. The two lower loggias are arched, and the third is surmounted by an architrave.

The apse overlooking Piazza Grande is divided vertically into three superimposed orders – the first is made up of blind arches, while the second and the third of loggias.

The church has four portals, three on the main facade, separated by blind arches, and one on the southern side, along Via di Seteria. To the right of the facade, stands the bell-tower made of sandstone, about 50 meters high.

Inside, the church has three naves, with a raised presbytery and a crypt below. The presbytery is accessed via two side staircases. The roof is made of wooden trusses.

ART

On the main altar, there is the Tarlati polyptych, depicting the Madonna and Child, with Saints Donatus, John the Evangelist, John the Baptist and Saint Matthew, painted by Pietro Lorenzetti in 1320.

Inside the church, we can find traces of frescoes with Saint Dominic and Saint Francis. The crypt houses a reliquary bust of Saint Donatus from the 14th century.

HOW TO GET THERE

The Church of Santa Maria della Pieve is located about 900 meters away from the Arezzo railway station. The closest bus stop is Viale Buozzi Opp 5 – Prato, located about 250 meters away, on the bus Line CS2.