Church of Santa Maria della Pieve, Arezzo

Church in Arezzo

Church Of Santa Maria Della Pieve In Arezzo

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Colin W

In the heart of Arezzo's old town stands the Parish Church of Santa Maria della Pieve, one of the top sights in Arezzo and a shining example of Romanesque architecture at its most expressive. Its majestic façade, flanked by columns and sculpted capitals, rises like a stone tapestry from the medieval streets. The church's famous bell tower, known locally as “The Tower of a Hundred Holes,” dominates the skyline, while the richly ornamented apse and façade make it a marvel of balance and craftsmanship.

This church, both imposing and intimate, invites visitors to explore its layers of history — from its 12th-century foundations to the Renaissance and Baroque additions that followed. Inside, an array of treasures awaits: frescoes, polyptychs, marble reliefs, and centuries of artistry that make Santa Maria della Pieve a highlight of any walking tour of Arezzo.

History and Significance of the Parish Church of Santa Maria della Pieve
Things to See and Do
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting
Is the Church of Santa Maria della Pieve Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance of the Parish Church of Santa Maria della Pieve

Construction of the Parish Church of Santa Maria della Pieve began in the mid-12th century on the site of an earlier baptismal church. By the 13th century, its elegant Romanesque façade — reminiscent of Pisa's architectural style — had taken form, along with the soaring bell tower completed in 1330. This tower, nearly sixty meters high, became one of the city's defining symbols, visible from afar as both a civic landmark and a spiritual beacon.

The church's exterior is a masterpiece of stonework, with layers of slender columns, delicately carved capitals, and sculptural details. Among the most charming decorations are the allegorical representations of the twelve months placed above the central doorway — often overlooked by visitors yet among the finest examples of medieval symbolism in Tuscany. The façade and apse together create the impression of a monumental sculpture carved from living rock, blending harmony and strength in perfect proportion.

Things to See and Do

Stepping inside the church reveals a space of breathtaking verticality. Three high naves, divided by columns and rounded arches, draw the eye toward the elevated presbytery, beneath which lies the crypt. Each capital is uniquely decorated, making the interior feel like a gallery of Romanesque sculpture. The presbytery itself shelters a precious reliquary bust of St. Donatus, Arezzo’s patron saint, linking the church to the city’s spiritual heart.

Visitors exploring clockwise through the nave will encounter 13th-century marble bas-reliefs depicting St. Joseph and the Adoration of the Magi — tender, intimate works by an anonymous master. Near the presbytery, a fresco attributed to Andrea di Nerio portrays St. Francis and St. Dominic, a rare image uniting the founders of two great religious orders. The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, accessible from the left wall, contains vibrant 19th-century frescoes by Luigi Ademollo. Ascending the left staircase to the presbytery, you’ll discover Margaritone d’Arezzo’s painted crucifix from the late 13th century, followed by Pietro Lorenzetti’s magnificent polyptych (1320), a golden masterpiece of Sienese art.

Descending the right staircase, sunlight filters through a beautiful 19th-century stained glass window, illuminating the crypt below. Here, amid ancient arches and soft shadows, stands a 17th-century wooden crucifix and the stone Baptismal Font adorned with 14th-century marble panels — a testament to centuries of devotion and artistry. This spot is one of the best places to see in Arezzo for its seamless blend of architecture, sculpture, and spiritual atmosphere.

How to Get There

The Parish Church of Santa Maria della Pieve is located on Corso Italia, just steps from Piazza Grande in the center of Arezzo's old town. From Arezzo railway station, it’s about a 10-minute uphill walk along Corso Italia. Parking is available nearby at Parcheggio Pietri or Parcheggio Eden, both within walking distance. Due to its central location, the church is often visited on walking tours of Arezzo that also include the Basilica of San Francesco and the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici.

Practical Tips on Visiting

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free entry; donations appreciated.
Opening hours: Typically 9:00–12:30 and 15:30–18:30; may vary by season.
Official website: www.discoverarezzo.com
How long to spend: Around 45–60 minutes to explore both interior and exterior.
Accessibility: Ground floor accessible; crypt and presbytery reached by stairs.
Facilities: Restrooms and cafés nearby on Corso Italia.
Photography tip: Capture the façade in the morning light when the sculpted columns and capitals cast dramatic shadows.
Guided tours: Available through the local tourist office and often combined with Piazza Grande visits.
Nearby food options: Trattorias and cafés along Corso Italia and Piazza Grande offer authentic Tuscan cuisine.

Is the Church of Santa Maria della Pieve Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Santa Maria della Pieve is one of the things to do in Arezzo that captures the city's essence — an extraordinary fusion of art, architecture, and faith. Its Romanesque beauty, the delicacy of its carvings, and the treasures within make it an essential stop for anyone exploring Tuscany's medieval heritage. Both intimate and monumental, it's a living monument to centuries of devotion and artistic excellence.

Nearby Attractions

Piazza Grande – Arezzo's famous sloping square framed by Renaissance and medieval buildings.
Basilica of San Francesco – Home to Piero della Francesca's fresco masterpiece, The Legend of the True Cross.
Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici – A civic palace featuring a Renaissance astronomical clock and museum.
Ivan Bruschi House Museum – The private collection of the antiques dealer who founded Arezzo's Antiques Fair.
Arezzo Cathedral – A majestic Gothic church with frescoes by Piero della Francesca and panoramic views from its terrace.

The Church of Santa Maria della Pieve appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Arezzo!

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