Piazza Grande

Piazza Grande is the main square of Arezzo, located in the center of the medieval city. With an inclined trapezoidal shape, the square is one of the most beautiful in Tuscany and in the whole of Italy.

In Piazza Grande, twice a year, in June and September, takes place the Joust of the Saracen (Giostra del Saracino), a traditional festival with a medieval fragrance.

SHORT HISTORY

In the early Middle Ages, the area of the current square was used for the livestock market, and was called Platea Porcorum.

In the 13th century, the space definitively became a square, and during the 14th century, with the construction of the buildings around it, Piazza Grande took on its current appearance on three of its sides.

In 1560, Cosimo I de’ Medici, as a demonstration of the strength of the new Florentine lordship, demolished Palazzo del Popolo, Palazzo del Comune and other buildings to the north of the square.

At the behest of the same Cosimo I de’ Medici, the new layout of Piazza Grande was designed by Giorgio Vasari. He closed the square to the north with Palazzo delle Logge, built between 1573 and 1595.

As a new political and economical center of the city, the square was known as Platea Communis.

ARCHITECTURE

The Romanesque apse of the Church of Santa Maria della Pieve, built in the 12th century, dominates the western side of the square. Adjacent to the church, there is Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici, started in 1375 and completed by Giorgio Vasari around the middle of the 16th century. The palace houses the Museum of the Fraternita dei Laici.

On the northern side of the square, there is Palazzo delle Logge, with its beautiful loggia, which today houses various artisan shops. Across the square from Palazzo delle Logge, there are a series of ancient buildings, including the 13th century Torre Faggiolana and Palazzo Cofani-Brizzolari.

On the eastern side of Piazza Grande, we can admire Palazzo Lappoli, another tower-house from the 13th century.

HOW TO GET THERE

Piazza Grande is located about 950 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.