AREZZO

Life is beautiful in Arezzo

Arezzo, city of goldsmiths and antiquarians, with medieval traditions 

The city of Arezzo, in the centre of Tuscany, lies in the middle of four valleys: Val Tiberina, Casentino, Valdarno and Valdichiana, at an elevation of approximately 300m above sea level and has approximately 100.000 inhabitants.

Arezzo, Aritim in Etruscan, is believed to have been one of the twelve most important Etruscan cities. When the city was conquered by the Romans and became a military station on the Via Cassia, it was well known in particular for its widely exported pottery manufactures. The Roman city was demolished, partly through the Gothic War and only the amphitheater remained. In the middle ages it was one of the first cities to elect its own government and in the 13th and 14th century, under the aegis of its warrior bishops, it was a powerful republic.
Since 1926 Arezzo is home of one of the world's largest companies specializing in the manufacture, distribution and export of gold and jewelry worldwide (UnoAErre).
 

The Legend of the True Cross

The greatest artistic treasure of Arezzo is the set of frescoes by Piero della Francesca, called La Leggenda della Vera Croce, in the church of San Francesco. This Renaissance masterpiece which was created in 1452, tells the story of the 'True Cross'.
 

Arezzo, Piazza Grande

The beautiful Piazza Grande and the cathedral, or Duomo, which contains fine stained-glass windows and an elaborately carved tomb recounting the life of Bishop Guido Tarlati are certainly worth visiting. From the sixteenth-century Medici fortress you have some impressive views over Arezzo and the surrounding countryside.

In 1997 the Oscar-winning film, La Vita è Bella (Life is Beautiful) by Roberto Benigni was filmed in Arezzo, as well as The English Patient (1996).

Arezzo is also renowned for its antique fairs, which take place on the first Sunday of every month, and the preceding Saturday.
 

Saracen Joust of Arezzo

Twice a year, on the third Sunday of June and the first Sunday of September the medieval festival Saracen Joust of Arezzo  (Giostra del Saracino) takes place. During this festival "knights" on horseback representing the different areas of the city charge at a wooden target attached to a carving of a Saracen king and score points according to accuracy. The inhabitants of the city dress-up in medieval costumes and enthusiastically cheer on the competitors.

Villa with private pool in Civitella in Val di Chiana Tuscany at 20 km from Arezzo

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