Arezzo: The Complete Guide

Arezzo
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Sailko

Situated in the south-eastern region of Tuscany, Arezzo is perched prominently atop a hill, at the intersection of four valleys: Val Tiberina, Casentino, Valdarno, and Valdichiana. This locale has deep historical significance within the Tuscan landscape, evidenced by the wealth of archaeological finds, such as stone tools and the discovery of the Paleolithic-era “Man of the Elm.”

The city’s roots trace back to Etruscan times, under the name “Aritim,” originating around the 9th century B.C. It swiftly evolved into a pivotal hub in Tuscany, owing to its strategic placement along the Roman Via Cassia.

Arezzo offers a rich tapestry of attractions, including fortifications, landmarks, churches, and museums, all of which invite visitors to embark on a journey through time. Remarkably, remnants of a Roman amphitheatre still grace the city’s landscape.

TIP: If you are visiting Arezzo for just a day and want to make the most of your visit, you may want to consider taking a walking tour with a local guide.
This is one of the most complete and best-rated city tours that covers the main, must-see attractions in about 3 hours.
If you prefer exploring at your own pace read our Walking Tour of Arezzo in Tuscany.

Visiting Arezzo for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Arezzo on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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14 Best places to See in Arezzo

This complete guide to Arezzo not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Arezzo and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Palazzo dei Priori in Arezzo

Palazzo Dei Priori In Arezzo
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Diego Delso, delso.photo
The Palazzo dei Priori or Priory palace in Arezzo, which continues to serve as the Town Hall, has its origins in the first half of the 14th century and has been, since the late Middle Ages, the designated location for the city’s highest magistracies. This historic building is a treasure trove of art, containing numerous […]
Location: Palazzo dei Priori, Via Montetini, Arezzo, Province of Arezzo, Italy | Distance: 0.0km
Visiting Palazzo dei Priori in Arezzo

We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Donato, Arezzo

Arezzo-cattedrale
CC BY-SA 2.0 / phil tazzini
The Cathedral in Arezzo is believed to have been erected atop one of the earliest Christian churches in the area. Regardless of this belief, it commands a prominent position, its towering spire serving as an unmistakable landmark visible for miles across the Arezzo countryside. Construction of the current structure, situated at the summit of a […]
Location: Arezzo Cathedral, Piazza Del Duomo, Arezzo, Province of Arezzo, Italy | Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm Sundays and Public Holidays: 1.30 pm to 6.00 pm | Price: € 6.00 | Website | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Donato, Arezzo

Explore Arezzo yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Fondazione Ivan Bruschi - Casa Museo dell'Antiquariato Ivan Bruschi

Fondazione Ivan Bruschi
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko
Ivan Bruschi , born in Castiglion Fibocchi in 1920 into a family of antique furniture dealers, was an antiques dealer first in Florence and then in Arezzo , where he was among the promoters of the birth of the Antiques Fair in 1968. The Ivan Bruschi Antiques House Museum offers a captivating journey through sixteen […]
Location: Fondazione Ivan Bruschi - Casa Museo dell'Antiquariato Ivan Bruschi, Corso Italia, Arezzo, Province of Arezzo, Italy | Hours: Wednesday to Sunday: Opening hours 10.00 - 13.00, 14.00 - 18.00 | Price: €5.00 | Website | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Fondazione Ivan Bruschi - Casa Museo dell'Antiquariato Ivan Bruschi

Palazzo Pretorio in Arezzo

Palazzo Pretorio Arezzo
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tetraktys
Palazzo Pretorio is a historic palace located in Arezzo, situated on Via dei Pileati, approximately 100 meters from Piazza Grande. This palace has a rich history and has served various functions over the centuries. The area where Palazzo Pretorio stands has been occupied since the 13th century by different noble families, including the Albergotti, Lodomeri, […]
Location: Pretorio Palace, Via dei Pileati, Arezzo, Province of Arezzo, Italy | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Palazzo Pretorio in Arezzo

Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici in Arezzo

Arezzo - Piazza Grande - Palazzo Della Fraternità Dei Laici
CC BY-SA 2.0 / s9-4pr
Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici is a historic palace located in the picturesque Piazza Grande of Arezzo, Italy. This 14th-century palace is not only a remarkable architectural gem but also houses the Fraternita dei Laici, an institution founded in 1262 that continues to be active today and is engaged in various social and cultural projects. […]
Location: Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici, Via Giorgio Vasari, Arezzo, Province of Arezzo, Italy | Hours: Every day / 10.30am – 6.00pm | Price: € 5,00 | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici in Arezzo

Church of San Domenico in Arezzo

Church Of San Domenico In Arezzo
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko
In the heart of Arezzo’s historic center stands the Church of San Domenico, a remarkable structure dating back to the late 13th and early 14th centuries. This church holds a unique historical distinction as the site of the first-ever conclave in history, convened in 1276. The Romanesque-style architecture of San Domenico was made possible through […]
Location: San Domenico, Piazza San Domenico, Arezzo, Province of Arezzo, Italy | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Church of San Domenico in Arezzo

Church of Santa Maria della Pieve in Arezzo

Church Of Santa Maria Della Pieve In Arezzo
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Colin W
The Parish Church of Santa Maria in Arezzo is not only known for its impressive bell tower but also stands as a remarkable architectural and sculptural masterpiece. As you approach the church, you’ll be captivated by its grandeur, resembling a gigantic and extraordinary sculpture adorned with meticulously crafted columns and elegant capitals that embellish its […]
Location: Santa Maria della Pieve, Corso Italia, Arezzo, Province of Arezzo, Italy | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Church of Santa Maria della Pieve in Arezzo

National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art in Arezzo

Museo Nazionale D’Arte Medievale E Moderna
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko
The Bruni Ciocchi Palace, a splendid Renaissance palace in Arezzo, serves as the home to the Municipal Picture Gallery and provides a captivating journey through art and history. Built in the mid-15th century on the initiative of Donato Bruni, son of the renowned humanist Leonardo and Chancellor of the Florentine Republic, this palace is an […]
Location: Museo Nazionale d'Arte Medievale e Moderna, Via San Lorentino, Arezzo, Province of Arezzo, Italy | Price: € 7,00 | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art in Arezzo

Casa Vasari Museum in Arezzo

Casa Vasari Museum In Arezzo
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Ввласенко
The Casa Vasari Museum in Arezzo is dedicated to the illustrious painter, architect, and sculptor Giorgio Vasari, who was born in Arezzo in 1511. Giorgio Vasari personally acquired this building and undertook its renovation and decoration with the assistance of his pupils from 1542 to 1548. Following his marriage to Niccolosa Bacci, a member of […]
Location: Casa Vasari, Via XX Settembre, Arezzo, Province of Arezzo, Italy | Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, entry every hour from 8.30 to 18.30. Sunday and holidays entry every hour from 8.30 to 12.30, with 1 hour visiting shifts. | Price: €5.00 | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Casa Vasari Museum in Arezzo

San Francesco Basilica in Arezzo

Chiesa Di San Francesco Ad Arezzo
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Luca Aless
Saint Francis Square in the picturesque city of Arezzo, Tuscany, may not initially reveal the treasures hidden within the unassuming and unfinished façade of Saint Francis Church, which was designated a basilica in 1955. However, this web section will unveil the remarkable paintings of significant artistic value that grace this sacred site. The most illustrious […]
Location: Basilica di San Francesco, Piazza San Francesco, Arezzo, Province of Arezzo, Italy | Hours: Mon - Tue - Thu - Fri / 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sat / 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sun / 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Last entry 30 minutes before closing. Tours interrupted due to church service from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m | Price: € 10.00 | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting San Francesco Basilica in Arezzo
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Piazza Grande, Arezzo

Arezzo-piazza-grande
CC BY-SA 2.0 / phil tazzini
Piazza Grande stands as the beating heart of Arezzo and ranks among the most enchanting squares in all of Tuscany. Its allure lies in the harmonious juxtaposition of buildings from various historical epochs, creating a tableau reminiscent of a well-orchestrated stage setting. Notably, this square’s unconventional shape stems from its location on a sloping terrain. […]
Location: Piazza Grande, Piazza Grande, Arezzo, Italy | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Piazza Grande, Arezzo

Medici Fortress, Arezzo

Medici Fortress, Arezzo
CC BY-SA 4.0 / LigaDue
Strolling along the outer perimeter of the church, you’ll soon discover one of the city’s lush green spaces. At its heart stands a majestic statue paying tribute to a local luminary: Petrarca, the renowned Italian poet. This park, designed with a touch of French elegance, provides a sweeping vista that encompasses the Casentino Valley, the […]
Location: the c, Viale Bruno Buozzi, Arezzo, Italy | Hours: Mon – Wed – Thur – Fri / 11.00 am – 7.00 pm (last admission at 6.30 pm) Sat – Sun / 10.00 am – 8.00 pm (last admission at 7.30 pm) | Price: €8,00 | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Medici Fortress, Arezzo

National Archaeological Museum Gaius Cilnius Maecenas

National Archaeological Museum Gaius Cilnius Maecenas
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko
The Gaius Cilnius Maecenas Archaeological Museum in Arezzo is home to one of the most significant archaeological collections in Tuscany, providing a captivating journey through the millennia-old history of the city. Together with the adjacent Roman Amphitheatre, this museum narrates the tale of Arezzo’s ancient origins. The museum is housed within the enchanting premises of […]
Location: Museo Archeologico Nazionale Gaio Cilnio Mecenate, Via Margaritone, 10, Arezzo, Province of Arezzo, Italy | Hours: Monday to Saturday / 9.00 am – 7.30 pm Sundays and public holidays / 2.30 pm – 7.30 pm First Sunday of the month / 9:30 am – 7:30 pm | Price: €7.00 | Website | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting National Archaeological Museum Gaius Cilnius Maecenas

Roman Amphitheatre, Arezzo

Roman Amphitheatre Of Arezzo
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko
The Roman period plays a significant role in the history of Arezzo, with the most tangible evidence being the remnants of a substantial Roman amphitheatre dating back to the first half of the 2nd century AD. This ancient structure is situated between Via Crispi and Via Margaritone, and its elliptical shape stands as a testament […]
Location: Roman Amphitheatre of Arezzo, Via Margaritone, Arezzo, Province of Arezzo, Italy | Hours: See National Archaeological Museum Gaius Cilnius Maecenas | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Roman Amphitheatre, Arezzo

Best Time to Visit Arezzo

Arezzo offers delightful experiences in both spring and autumn:

Springtime in Arezzo: With its moderate temperatures and the blooming of beautiful flowers, springtime in Arezzo is a truly wonderful experience. The city becomes a burst of colours and fragrances, making it the perfect time to explore its beauty. The pleasant weather and gentle breezes enhance the joy of wandering through the streets and admiring the architecture.

In addition to its natural beauty, spring in Arezzo also presents various cultural opportunities. Many events take place in the city during this season, including the renowned Saracen Joust in June. Visitors can witness a medieval-style jousting competition and immerse themselves in the event’s vibrant atmosphere. All in all, spring is an ideal season to visit Arezzo if you desire a combination of natural splendour and cultural events.

Autumn Charm in Arezzo: Autumn in Arezzo invites you to immerse yourself in its enchanting ambiance as the leaves change colours and the air becomes crisp. The historic heart of the city is adorned with the vibrant hues of autumn leaves, creating a breath-taking landscape. The weather is perfect for leisurely walks through the streets, admiring the architecture, and stopping at a local café for a warm beverage.

Moreover, autumn is a paradise for food enthusiasts to savour the local cuisine. Arezzo is renowned for its delicious truffles, which are in season during this time of year. You can also indulge in the famous Chianina beef while sipping a glass of Tuscan wine. The city comes alive with gastronomic festivals during the harvest season, offering a unique opportunity to explore local culture and traditions. In conclusion, a visit to Arezzo in autumn is a special and not-to-be-missed experience.

Summer In Arezzo: The Giostra del Saracino, or Joust of the Saracen (Moor), is is a great event to see in Arezzo. It is usually held on the third Saturday in June and on the first Sunday in September (check the official site for confirmation), taking place in Arezzo’s magnificent Piazza Grande. The festivities commence a week before the actual joust when the captains participating in the event take an oath. During this time, they also determine the sequence in which they will charge and practice their jousting skills in the evenings throughout the week. The Joust of the Saracen is a captivating and time-honored tradition that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Arezzo.

Average Temperatures in Arezzo

  • January 10°C 8
  • February 12°C 10
  • March 15°C 8
  • April 20°C 8
  • May 25°C 10
  • June 32°C 7
  • July 35°C 4
  • August 33°C 5
  • September 27°C 10
  • October 23°C 10
  • November 14°C 15
  • December 11°C 10

How to get to Arezzo

Flying to Arezzo

There is no airport located directly in Arezzo, so flying directly to Arezzo is not an option. However, you can reach Arezzo by driving or taking a train from nearby airports. The airports closest to Arezzo, in order of proximity, are Florence, Perugia, Pisa, Bologna, Rome, and Genoa. Among these, Pisa airport is a popular choice for flights within Europe, while Rome is more likely to be the arrival airport for visitors from the US and Canada. Depending on your location and travel plans, you can choose the airport that best suits your needs and then travel to Arezzo by train or car from there.

Getting to Arezzo by Train

Arezzo has a train station located along the Bologna-Rome railway line. The station is served by daily connections with Intercity trains to Florence, Rome, and various other destinations in Italy. The TFT (Transport Railway Toscano) of the LFI group manages the railway lines for Arezzo-Sinalunga and Arezzo-Stia. Arezzo has three train stations, but if you are a visitor planning to explore the historical centre, it’s best to choose the main station, which is simply named “AREZZO.” This station is located at the base of the city and is the closest to the historic center, making it the most convenient choice for those looking to explore the historical attractions of Arezzo.

Getting to Arezzo by Bus

Arezzo is connected to various nearby regions, including Valdichiana, Valtiberina, Pratomagno, Casentino, and Valdarno, via a comprehensive bus network provided by ATAM, LFI, and SITA bus companies. This network allows for easy and convenient bus travel to and from Arezzo and its neighbouring areas.

Getting to Arezzo by Car

You can drive to Arezzo from Florence or Rome via the Autostrada del Sole (A1 Milan-Naples). Exit at the tollgate of Arezzo, and from there, it’s about 10 km to reach the city center. Here are some road distances from Arezzo to nearby cities: Cortona 29 km; Florence 74 km; Siena 89 km; Perugia 92 km; Rome 218 km.

 

 

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