When I first stumbled upon Arezzo during my Tuscan travels, I couldn’t believe this medieval gem remained largely undiscovered by tourist crowds. Nestled where the Arno, Tiber, and Casentino valleys meet in eastern Tuscany, Arezzo offers that authentic Italian experience many of us dream about but rarely find.
Unlike Florence or Siena, Arezzo lets you explore Renaissance art, medieval architecture, and charming piazzas at your own pace, without fighting through masses of tourists.
The city gained some recognition through Roberto Benigni’s “Life is Beautiful,” but somehow managed to stay off most travelers’ radar. During my vacation last year, I wandered through dark alleyways and historic squares, feeling like I had discovered a secret treasure of Italy.
Just 90 minutes from Florence, Arezzo provides everything you’d expect from a Tuscan destination—incredible history, beautiful landscapes, amazing food—but gives you space to actually enjoy it all.
Exploring Arezzo: Tuscany’s Hidden Gem
Tucked away in eastern Tuscany where the Arno, Tiber, and Casentino valleys meet, Arezzo offers a slice of authentic Italian life that many travelers miss. I discovered this charming city during my wanderings through Tuscany and was instantly captivated by its lack of crowds and wealth of cultural treasures.
The Historical Heart: Arezzo’s Rich Past
Walking through Arezzo’s medieval streets feels like stepping back in time. Unlike Florence or Pisa, I rarely had to navigate through tourist groups to admire the architecture.
The magnificent Piazza Grande serves as the city’s living room, where locals gather and the famous antique market takes place monthly.
The Basilica of San Francesco houses Piero della Francesca’s stunning fresco cycle “The Legend of the True Cross” – a masterpiece I could appreciate without the crowds you’d find at similar sites in Florence.
Arezzo’s Etruscan origins date back further than Rome, giving the city layers of history to explore. The Roman amphitheater and archaeological museum showcase this ancient heritage beautifully.
Countryside and City: A Blend of Experiences
What makes Arezzo special is how it combines urban culture with easy access to Tuscany’s legendary countryside. I used the city as my base to explore the lush Casentino Valley with its medieval villages and forested hills.
The surrounding landscape is dotted with vineyards and olive groves typical of Tuscany but without the tour buses you’d find near Florence or Pisa. Local wineries welcome visitors for tastings of the region’s robust reds.
Arezzo’s position makes day trips to both Florence and Rome possible by train. I could enjoy the world-famous sites then retreat to Arezzo’s peaceful streets in the evening.
Unlike Lucca or Siena, restaurants here cater primarily to locals, not tourists. This means authentic Tuscan cuisine at reasonable prices – the wild boar pappardelle I tried was among the best meals of my entire Italian journey.
The Culinary Journey: Tuscan Flavors Unveiled
Tuscan cuisine is a celebration of simplicity and fresh ingredients, with Arezzo offering some of the most authentic dining experiences in the region. Unlike tourist-centered cities, Arezzo’s food scene caters primarily to locals, ensuring genuine flavors that showcase seasonal delicacies.
Wine Tasting in the Chianti Region
The rolling hills of Chianti near Arezzo offer some of Italy’s most memorable wine experiences. I discovered that small, family-run vineyards provide the most authentic tastings, where you can often meet the winemakers themselves.
During my visit, I joined a small-group tour that took us through olive groves and vineyards. The vintners explained how the region’s unique soil and climate create the distinctive Chianti flavors.
Most tours include sampling several varieties, from young, fruity Chianti to aged Chianti Classico Riserva. The deep ruby-red wines paired perfectly with local cheeses and cured meats.
Don’t miss trying the “Super Tuscans” – bold red blends that broke traditional wine rules but earned worldwide acclaim.
Traditional Dishes and Delicacies
Arezzo’s cuisine features hearty, rustic dishes that have sustained generations of Tuscans. The pappardelle al cinghiale (wide pasta with wild boar sauce) quickly became my favorite local specialty.
I took a cooking class with Chef Fabrizio in central Arezzo where we created a three-course meal. The pasta-making lesson was the highlight – nothing compares to fresh tagliatelle made with your own hands!
Other must-try dishes include:
- Ribollita: hearty bread soup with vegetables
- Pici all’aglione: thick hand-rolled pasta with tomato-garlic sauce
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina: the famous T-bone steak, simply grilled
What makes dining in Arezzo special is how seasonal ingredients determine the menu. Chefs use what’s fresh and local rather than importing out-of-season products.
Art and Architecture: Arezzo’s Renaissance Heritage
Arezzo stands as a living museum of Renaissance brilliance, where art and architecture blend seamlessly into everyday life. The city’s historic center showcases masterpieces that rival those in Florence but can be enjoyed without fighting through crowds.
Masterpieces of Piero della Francesca
Walking through Arezzo, I discovered that the city’s greatest artistic treasure is undoubtedly Piero della Francesca’s fresco cycle “The Legend of the True Cross” in the Basilica of San Francesco. These stunning works showcase his mastery of perspective and light.
What amazed me most was how I could stand alone before these masterpieces, taking my time to appreciate every detail without being jostled by tour groups.
The Duomo houses another Piero gem – his Mary Magdalene fresco. Its serene beauty and technical perfection demonstrate why he was one of the Renaissance’s most innovative artists.
Other notable works include pieces in the Museo Statale d’Arte Medievale e Moderna, where you can trace the development of Tuscan art through the centuries.
Image Source: Tripadvisor
The Architectural Marvels of Arezzo
Arezzo’s Piazza Grande captivated me with its trapezoid shape and mix of architectural styles. Medieval towers stand alongside Renaissance loggias in perfect harmony.
The Romanesque church of Santa Maria della Pieve boasts a remarkable façade with three tiers of columns, each one uniquely different from the others. Its bell tower, known locally as “the tower of a hundred holes,” has become an iconic symbol of the city.
I spent hours exploring the 16th-century Medicean Fortress that overlooks the city. The panoramic views alone are worth the climb, but the fortress itself represents Renaissance military architecture at its finest.
The Palazzo dei Priori and its medieval tower showcase how Arezzo’s architecture evolved through centuries of Tuscan history while maintaining its authentic character.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Planning Your Stay: Accommodations and Itineraries
Finding the right place to stay and mapping out your days can make all the difference in experiencing Arezzo’s authentic charm. I’ve discovered that planning ahead while leaving room for spontaneous discoveries creates the perfect balance.
Choosing Your Home Away from Home
When I visited Arezzo, I found staying in the historic center gave me the best experience. Small family-run hotels like Hotel Continentale and Graziella Patio Hotel offer comfortable rooms with genuine Tuscan hospitality. These places often include breakfast featuring local specialties.
For a more immersive stay, I recommend renting an apartment or farmhouse (agriturismo) just outside the city. Many properties near SS73 provide stunning countryside views while keeping you just 10-15 minutes from Arezzo’s attractions.
Budget travelers will appreciate B&Bs like Casa Volpi, where local hosts share insider tips about hidden gems. Luxury seekers should consider Hotel Minerva with its rooftop terrace overlooking medieval rooftops.
Creating Your Perfect Arezzo Itinerary
I suggest spending at least two full days in Arezzo itself. Start your first morning exploring Piazza Grande and the antique market if you’re lucky enough to visit during the first weekend of the month.
The afternoon is perfect for visiting the Church of San Francesco to see Piero della Francesca’s stunning frescoes. I recommend going during quieter hours (typically 2-4 PM) to avoid any crowds.
For your second day, take a morning walk along the ancient city walls for breathtaking views. Then explore the Medici Fortress and Archaeological Museum.
Include a half-day trip to nearby Cortona (just 30 minutes by car or train). Its Etruscan walls and panoramic views complement Arezzo perfectly.
Consider renting a car to explore the countryside along SS73, stopping at vineyards for tastings. April 2025 will showcase Tuscany’s vibrant spring landscapes!
Image Source: Tripadvisor
Beyond Arezzo: Day Trips and Excursions
While Arezzo offers plenty to explore, the surrounding Tuscan landscape holds even more treasures waiting to be discovered. From charming hilltop towns to verdant forests and medieval cities, day trips from Arezzo provide the perfect complement to your authentic Tuscan experience.
The Charms of Cortona
Perched dramatically on a hillside, Cortona captured my heart with its stunning panoramic views of the valley below. Made famous by the book and movie “Under the Tuscan Sun,” this ancient town somehow maintains its authentic character despite its literary fame.
I recommend starting your visit in Piazza della Repubblica, the beating heart of Cortona. The square buzzes with locals chatting over coffee, creating that quintessential Italian atmosphere tourists crave.
Don’t miss the Etruscan Academy Museum, housing fascinating artifacts that date back thousands of years. The collection tells the story of this region long before Italy existed.
For lunch, try the simple trattorias along Via Nazionale where hearty Tuscan dishes like pappardelle with wild boar ragù pair perfectly with local Syrah wines.
The Serenity of the Casentino Forests
Just northeast of Arezzo lies one of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets – the Casentino Forests National Park. This verdant oasis offers a refreshing escape from summer heat and tourist crowds.
Walking along ancient paths between towering trees, I’ve found a tranquility that’s increasingly rare in our busy world. The forests contain centuries-old monasteries like La Verna, where St. Francis received the stigmata.
The best hiking trail for beginners runs from Camaldoli Monastery through beech woods to natural springs. Pack a picnic of local cheeses, bread, and salumi to enjoy along the way.
Wildlife spotters might glimpse deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species. I recommend visiting in autumn when the forest transforms into a kaleidoscope of red and gold foliage.
The Medieval Splendor of Siena
A day trip to Siena takes you to one of Italy’s most beloved medieval towns. It feels worlds away from Florence’s tourist crush. The UNESCO-listed centro storico remains remarkably preserved, with buildings dating back to the 12th century.
The magnificent Piazza del Campo steals the show. This is where the famous Palio horse race happens twice yearly. But even on quiet days, sitting at a café here feels magical.
Siena’s Duomo simply astounded me with its striped marble columns and incredible mosaic floor. The library inside features brilliantly colored frescoes that shouldn’t be missed.
Before leaving, try traditional Sienese sweets like ricciarelli (almond cookies) or panforte at one of the old pasticcerias near the campo. They make perfect souvenirs to enjoy later.
