Piazza Grande, Arezzo
Square in Arezzo
Piazza Grande, the heart of Arezzo, is one of the most enchanting squares in Tuscany - a place where centuries of history seem to merge into one living masterpiece. Its distinctive sloping shape, stone façades, and graceful Renaissance loggias create a setting that feels both dramatic and harmonious. Standing here, surrounded by towers, palaces, and arcades, you get a vivid sense of how Arezzo evolved through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Once the bustling hub of medieval trade, the square later became a symbol of civic pride and architectural sophistication. Today, it remains one of the top attractions in Arezzo, loved not only for its beauty but also for its vibrant atmosphere. Whether you visit for a quiet stroll, a market day, or the adrenaline-filled Saracen Joust, Piazza Grande is a highlight of any walking tour of Arezzo.
History and Significance of Piazza Grande
The origins of Piazza Grande date back to the Middle Ages when it served as the central marketplace of Arezzo. Its unique trapezoidal and sloping form was dictated by the natural terrain of the hill, resulting in the distinctive angled square we see today. By the Renaissance, the square had become a stage for the city's civic life, surrounded by noble residences and public buildings that reflected Arezzo's growing prosperity.
At the top of the square stands the elegant Palazzo delle Logge, designed by Giorgio Vasari and completed in 1595. Its refined arches and understated grandeur exemplify the ideals of Renaissance architecture. Facing it across the square are several medieval structures, including the 13th-century Torre Faggiolana, the Palazzo Cofani-Brizzolari, and the fortified house of the Lappoli family - each one contributing to the layered character of the square.
The Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici adds another chapter to the story. Its lower level, with Gothic arches, blends seamlessly with the Renaissance upper floors designed in the 16th century. Together, these structures embody the architectural dialogue between faith, commerce, and civic pride that defines Arezzo's historic core.
Things to See and Do in Piazza Grande
A visit to Piazza Grande offers more than just scenic beauty - it's a deep dive into Arezzo's cultural heart. Stroll beneath Vasari's loggias and take in the elegant symmetry that contrasts with the rough medieval stone of the opposite side. Look closely at the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici to spot the Aristotelian-Ptolemaic clock designed in 1552, a fascinating piece of Renaissance science still ticking today.
The square is also famous as the stage for the Giostra del Saracino, or Saracen Joust, held twice a year in June and September. This historical reenactment of a medieval tournament brings Arezzo's traditions to life, with knights representing the city's neighborhoods competing in full armor to strike a target symbolizing the Saracen. Crowds fill the square, flags wave from balconies, and the air buzzes with excitement - it's one of the things to do in Arezzo that connects visitors to its proud medieval heritage.
When the joust is not in session, Piazza Grande still buzzes with activity. Cafés and antique shops line the loggias, and the square transforms into a picturesque backdrop for the monthly Arezzo Antiques Fair - one of Italy's most prestigious markets of its kind. This spot is one of the best places to see in Arezzo for photography, local color, and pure atmosphere.
How to Get There
Piazza Grande is located in the heart of Arezzo's old town, about a 10-15 minute uphill walk from the railway station. The route along Corso Italia leads directly to the square, passing shops, churches, and small piazzas. For those arriving by car, parking is available at Parcheggio Pietri or Parcheggio Eden, both within walking distance. The square is pedestrian-only, making it perfect for leisurely exploration.
Practical Tips on Visiting Piazza Grande
- Best time to visit Piazza Grande: Spring and autumn for comfortable weather; June and September for the Saracen Joust.
- Entrance fee in Euros: Free access to the square; event tickets vary.
- Opening hours: Open year-round, accessible at all hours.
- Official website: www.discoverarezzo.com
- How long to spend: Around 30-60 minutes for sightseeing; longer during events.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible; sloping ground can be uneven.
- Facilities: Cafés, restaurants, and shops located beneath the loggias.
- Photography tip: Visit early morning or at sunset for the best light and fewer crowds.
- Guided tours: Included in many city walking tours and heritage itineraries.
- Nearby food options: Try Trattoria Cavour 42 or La Lancia d’Oro for authentic Tuscan cuisine with a view.
Is Piazza Grande Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Piazza Grande is one of the must-see places in Arezzo and a symbol of the city's charm and vitality. Its graceful mix of eras, from Gothic to Renaissance, makes it one of Tuscany's most photogenic squares. Whether you're here for a quiet evening walk, the monthly antiques fair, or the spectacle of the Saracen Joust, the square never loses its magic. It's a timeless setting that perfectly captures Arezzo's artistic and historical soul.
Nearby Attractions to Piazza Grande
- Basilica of San Francesco - Famed for Piero della Francesca's fresco cycle, The Legend of the True Cross.
- Arezzo Cathedral - A Gothic landmark with exquisite stained glass and Renaissance frescoes.
- Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici - A beautiful civic palace with an astronomical clock and art collections.
- Ivan Bruschi House Museum - The home and collection of the founder of Arezzo's Antiques Fair.
- Casa Vasari - The artist's home, richly decorated with frescoes and designs by Giorgio Vasari.
What Other Travellers Say...
Piazza Grande in Arezzo is a lively, sloping medieval square lined with 16th-century stone buildings that house cafés and antique shops; visitors praise its calm, historic atmosphere, pleasant terraces for relaxing, frequent street musicians, and monthly antique fair, while nearby medieval houses, crenellated towers and notable monuments enclose the trapezoid-shaped piazza with its central historic fountain and make it the heart of the old town.
The Piazza Grande 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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