Arezzo is another must-see destination in the eastern edge of Tuscany, Italy. Its historic center is a delight to explore, with plenty of centuries-old buildings lining its cobblestone streets. Shopping enthusiasts will also find special treats in the area with the thriving industries of gold, jewelry and clothing, among others. And, those who are passionate about art will find an abundance of reason to celebrate in this wonderful medieval city.

The nearest airports are those located in Rome and Milan. From these major cities, you can take the train or the bus and get to Arezzo in a little over an hour - make sure to take the express trains and not the interregionale trains.

Shopping

If you love to shop, you are most likely going to spend plenty of time along via del Corso because there is a plethora of elegant and fancy boutiques along the way. You will also pass by quaint and charming trattorias, gelaterias, pizzerias and cafes.

Piazza Grande

Indulge in six centuries of remarkable architecture at Piazza Grande. This atmospheric square is flanked by 12th to 13th century houses, impressive palazzi and their soaring towers, and the magnificent Santa Maria della Pieve - lauded to be one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture. Other structures worth checking out in the area are the gothic and renaissance architectural mix of the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laid, the 18th century courthouse and the 16th century Logge del Vasari.

Medicea Fortress

Not far from Piazza Grande is the huge Medicea fortress - this epic defensive structure is one of the most legendary buildings in Arezzo.
It was built in the 16th and 17th centuries and is an excellent example of a military fortress from that period.
With a pentagonal shape and 5 defensive towers, Medicea Fortress is a great place to explore - you can walk around the fortress and even climb to the top of the tower. From the top of the tower you get a 360 degree view of Arezzo and the surrounding area.

Churches and cathedrals

Arezzo's churches and cathedrals are also treasure troves of history and art. You can explore the 13th century Duomo and marvel at the spectacular stained glass windows of Marcillat. Walk around the cathedral's impressive interiors and survey its collection of highly valuable art masterpieces.

Another church worth a visit is San Dominico, also dating back to the 13th century and home to 14th - 15th century frescoes. Finally, there is the 13th century Gothic church of San Francesco which features an awe-inspiring nave and outstanding frescoes of the Legend of the True Cross.

If you are a fan of Roberto Begnini's film, La Vita e Bella, then you will have a grand time reminiscing scenes from the movie as you walk around the historic center, following signs depicting photos of the scenes shot on location.

Casa Del Vasari

This beautiful palace is one of the most revered buildings in Arezzo and is known for its valuable frescoes and decorative works of art. Located in the northwestern part of the city center on XX Setembre Street, the house was bought by Vasari in the 16th century. Each room is richly decorated and contains some absolutely stunning works by the artist himself.

Sandro Pertini Park

Arezzo has several beautiful public parks, and Parco Sandro Pertini is a pleasant place to walk and relax. Located in the southern part of the city center on Viale Giotto, this park is easily accessible from the historic center. Inside the park there are a number of shaded areas covered with large beautiful trees that look fantastic in the summer months. Furthermore, there are a number of hiking and biking trails that run through the terrain.
In addition there is also a large pond

Parco Passeggio Park 

Parco Sandro Pertini offers a fantastic place to relax .. Here you can also find interesting monuments and relaxation trails This park is located between Arezzo Cathedral and the Medicea Fortress. The focal point of this park is the large monument to Francesco Petrarca located opposite the cathedral bell tower. Behind this monument there is a large wooded area with interesting species of trees and plants with paths leading to the surrounding fields.

Roman amphitheater

Next to the Archaeological Museum are the remains of the ancient Roman amphitheater. Even in antiquity, this amphitheater was once a large building that would host gladiatorial events and performances for the ancient Roman civilization of Arezzo .. Today you can still see the outline of the semicircular theater, the central stage (which is now a lawn) and several sections of the wall and seating area.

Antiques Fair

Finally, the Antiques Fair is very popular among visitors and locals alike in this area. It takes place on the first Sunday of the month (and the Saturday immediately before it), when Piazza Grande is chock-full of hundreds of stalls selling antiques and knick-knacks of all kinds.

Giostra del Saracino

The Knights' Game (Giostra del Saracino) is held in Arezzo every year. In this game, "knights" on horses dressed in medieval costumes, representing the various districts of Arezzo (gangs)  try to hit the wooden target as accurately as possible. Depending on the accuracy, they get points and the winner is the one who collects the most.

Lake Trasimeno

Lake Trasimeno is a beautiful natural lake located an hour’s drive east of Arezzo. With an area of 128 square kilometers, this lake is the fourth largest in Italy. If you are looking for an exciting excursion from Arezzo, consider a trip to this beautiful lake. Several beautiful towns are located on the shores of the lake, including Castiglione del lago, Monte del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno. These places are great to visit and have beautiful restaurants, historic architecture and beautiful views of Lake Trasimeno. It is also possible to take a boat ride on the lake and visit some of the charming islands such as Isola Minore and Isola Maggiore.

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