Palazzo dei Priori, Arezzo

Palace in Arezzo

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Diego Delso, delso.photo

Standing tall at the heart of Arezzo's old town, the Palazzo dei Priori remains one of the top attractions in Arezzo and a powerful symbol of its medieval authority. Built in the early 14th century as the seat of the city's magistrates, this majestic building still serves as the Town Hall, preserving its civic purpose while opening its doors to visitors eager to explore its artistic treasures. Its rough-hewn stone façade and elegant tower rise above Via Ricasoli, a reminder of the city's long tradition of governance and artistry.

Inside, the palace offers an unexpectedly rich journey through the centuries. Each room tells a story: frescoes, sculptures, and painted ceilings reveal the skill and faith of Arezzo's artists, while the grand halls capture the atmosphere of Renaissance Italy. It's a great place to visit on a walking tour of Arezzo, as the palace lies close to other major landmarks, including the Duomo and Casa Vasari.

History and Significance of Palazzo dei Priori
Things to See and Do in Palazzo dei Priori
Practical Information
How to Get There
Is Palazzo dei Priori Worth Visiting?
Other Sites Nearby

History and Significance of Palazzo dei Priori

The Palazzo dei Priori, sometimes called the Priory Palace, began its story in the first half of the 14th century when Arezzo's magistracies needed a central seat of power. Since then, the palace has continuously served as the city's administrative heart. Over time, it has undergone a series of expansions and renovations, yet still retains much of its medieval charm, especially on the side facing Via Ricasoli. The building's architecture reflects a blend of Gothic origins and later Renaissance touches, representing the evolution of Arezzo's civic identity through the ages.

The palace's interior offers a fascinating view of the city's artistic progression. Its 16th-century courtyard, with graceful arcades and loggias, leads into halls that once hosted the city's highest officials. Within these rooms, frescoes from different centuries overlap like layers of history. For art lovers and history enthusiasts, the Palazzo dei Priori is one of the must-see places in Arezzo, merging municipal life with artistic heritage.

Things to See and Do in Palazzo dei Priori

On the ground floor, visitors are greeted by Salvi Castellucci’s 17th-century fresco depicting the Madonna and Child alongside Saint Donato, Arezzo’s patron saint, framed by a vivid contemporary view of the city. As you ascend to the upper levels, the walls and ceilings come alive with sacred frescoes, marble busts, and painted portraits of the city’s distinguished citizens.

The highlight for many is the Sala dei Matrimoni, where civil weddings still take place beneath Teofilo Torri's 17th-century frescoes and a stately stone fireplace. This room also contains two works by Giorgio Vasari, one of Arezzo's most celebrated sons, whose influence can be seen throughout Tuscany. For those wanting to dive deeper into Vasari's life, his nearby Casa Vasari Museum is often visited on walking tours of Arezzo and offers an intimate look at his personal artistry and design.

Continuing upwards, the climb leads to the Sala del Consiglio, a room that encapsulates the palace’s civic grandeur. Decorated with 15th-century frescoes by Parri di Spinello, this hall once hosted city council meetings and today stands as a powerful reminder of Arezzo’s medieval authority and artistic devotion.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: Spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Entrance fee in Euros: Around 5-7 EUR; combined tickets may include other civic museums.
Opening hours: Typically 10:00-18:00, though hours can vary seasonally.
Official website: www.discoverarezzo.com
How long to spend: About 1-1.5 hours to explore the rooms and art comfortably.
Accessibility: The main floors are partially accessible; the tower requires climbing stairs.
Facilities: Restrooms and a small information area inside.
Photography tip: The loggias and tower windows offer stunning views of Arezzo’s rooftops.
Guided tours: Available in English and Italian through the local tourist office.
Nearby food options: Try trattorias on Via Ricasoli or around Piazza Grande for Tuscan cuisine and local wines.

How to Get There

The Palazzo dei Priori is located in the heart of Arezzo's historic centre on Via Ricasoli. From Arezzo railway station, it’s about a 10-15 minute uphill walk through medieval streets. Local buses also serve the area, but walking is the best way to experience the old town’s charm. Parking is available in lots outside the pedestrian zone, such as at Parcheggio Pietri.

Is Palazzo dei Priori Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Palazzo dei Priori is not only one of the things to do in Arezzo but also a window into the city's soul. Its blend of medieval architecture, Renaissance art, and living civic purpose makes it an essential stop for anyone exploring Tuscany beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're drawn by Vasari's legacy or the fresco-covered halls, the palace offers an authentic connection to Arezzo's past and present.

Other Sites Nearby

Arezzo Cathedral - A magnificent Gothic church with frescoes by Piero della Francesca.
Casa Vasari - The painter's own home, decorated by him and his pupils.
Basilica of San Francesco - Famed for The Legend of the True Cross frescoes.
Piazza Grande - The heart of Arezzo's social life and the site of historic jousting festivals.
Church of San Domenico - Known for Cimabue's Crucifix and serene atmosphere.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (62)

Reviews describe a small, engaging museum in Arezzo’s Palazzo Comunale dedicated to the Giostra del Saracino, with costumes, original objects, clear historical explanations, and immersive videos/projections (sometimes with VR). Visitors frequently praise the friendly, helpful staff and consider it good value and a worthwhile stop for first-time visitors to understand the city’s medieval tradition. One reviewer reports a serious issue with unreliable opening hours and an unattended entrance despite signage indicating it was open.

Kalanit rat

6 years ago

"Great ice cream !!! Pistacio amazing"

Francesco Gentile

a year ago

"The exhibition "The Colors of the Joust," inaugurated in 2016, is an interactive museum dedicated to the Giostra del Saracino, Arezzo's famousmedieval tournament. The small museum, located in the Palazzo Comunale (Palazzo dei Priori), tells the story of the Joust through costumes, original objects, and immersive projections (there's also a virtual reality experience, which wasn't available when I visited). The experience is nevertheless engaging, allowing visitors to immerse themselves for a few minutes in the atmosphere of the reenactment, amidst sounds, colors, and performers, celebrating the medieval soul of Arezzo and the city's co ection to this spectacular tradition. A special mention goes to the extremely kind staff...."

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Removed Quasar

a year ago

"A beautiful museum exhibiting the Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo. The 1952 uniforms on display are beautiful, as are the detailed explanations of thehistory of the Giostra, the rules, and... well, everything. It was a great surprise to find the golden lance for the 2031 edition already there! (for the centenary). Thanks to Andrea at the entrance, who was able to give me excellent explanations. Worth a visit...."

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Cristy G Giuliani

4 years ago

"I thank the girl at the entrance for her kindness and for all the time she took to enthusiastically explain the real Joust (even though there werefew attendees at the time). Central square, for €5, an exhibition that's a must-see for anyone experiencing Arezzo for the first time, given its medieval tradition. The exhibition space features clothing, equipment, and even a spear you can touch. There are two rooms with demonstration videos that immerse you in the experience, and it makes you want to see it for yourself. A must-see!..."

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DANIEL “Danyiel” Daniel

7 months ago

"I'd say the "open" message is false! I've been here since 1:30 PM, waiting until 2:12 PM, and there's not even a sign saying "I'll be right back,""I'm at lunch," or any other valid reason to prove there's no one there! The door is open, but the window isn't! It's inside and empty, meaning there's no staff. So, in my opinion, the municipality of Arezzo isn't equipped to properly educate tourists who come to visit, because the same guy who later arrived said that the municipality doesn't authorize posting this kind of message to tourists! Terrible experience!..."

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The Palazzo dei Priori appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Arezzo!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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