Arezzo

Latest update: 22 August 2024
By Dion Protani
The historic city of Arezzo, is the capital city of the province of Arezzo. With a population of approximately 100,000 inhabitants, it boasts a rich history dating back to Etruscan times.

​Arezzo is most famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, characterized by its charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and lively piazzas. The city is renowned for its artistic heritage, including the Church of San Francesco with its renowned frescoes by Piero della Francesca. Arezzo is also known for its annual medieval festival, the Giostra del Saracino.
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Arezzo: a Renaissance work of art​
With its position in the heart of Tuscany, Arezzo boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the historic centre, characterized by its medieval architecture and charming squares, including Piazza Grande, home to the beautiful Vasari Loggia and the Gothic-style Santa Maria della Pieve church. Art enthusiasts will delight in the works of Piero della Francesca at the Basilica of San Francesco and the Museo Civico, showcasing masterpieces by renowned artists.

​Nearby attractions include the Etruscan ruins at Cortona and the picturesque countryside of the Valdarno valley, dotted with vineyards and olive groves, offering opportunities for scenic drives and wine tasting experiences.
Comune di Arezzo
​​Province: Arezzo

Region: Tuscany

Population: 96,535 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2024)

​​Total size: 385 km²​​

Elevation: 296 metres

Top sights: Basilica di San Francesco, Piazza Grande, Cathedral

Close by: Cortona, Anghiari, Monterchi, Sansepolcro, Poppi​

Recommended accommodation: Hotel Arezzo Sport College
Public Transport: central train station, local buses
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​By car: Siena - 1 hour 5' (71 km), Florence - 1 hour 10'  (82 km)
By air: Florence Airport - 1 hour 4 minutes by car (94 km)

​​By train: Florence - 53 minutes (4 stops)
What are the most popular tours and activities in Arezzo?
  • Piazza Grande: Explore the historic Piazza Grande, Arezzo's main square and the setting for the famous Giostra del Saracino (Saracen Joust). Visitors can admire the impressive medieval architecture, including the Palazzo delle Logge and the Vasari Loggia, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the weekly antiques market.
  • Arezzo Cathedral (Duomo): Visit the magnificent Arezzo Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Donatus of Arezzo, and marvel at its Gothic façade and interior adorned with beautiful frescoes and artworks by renowned artists such as Piero della Francesca and Andrea della Robbia.
  • Basilica of San Francesco: Discover the Basilica of San Francesco, renowned for its stunning frescoes by Piero della Francesca depicting the Legend of the True Cross. Visitors can admire these masterpieces in the Cappella Maggiore and explore the basilica's serene cloisters.
  • Casa di Vasari: Explore the Casa di Vasari, the former home of the renowned Renaissance artist and architect Giorgio Vasari, now a museum showcasing his works and personal collections. Visitors can admire Vasari's frescoes and architectural designs while learning about his life and artistic legacy.
  • Arezzo's Medici Fortress: Climb to the top of Arezzo's Medici Fortress, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the fortress's historic ramparts, towers, and gardens, as well as enjoy cultural events and exhibitions held within its walls.
  • Antiques Market: Browse the renowned antiques market of Arezzo, held on the first Sunday of every month and the preceding Saturday. Visitors can discover a wide range of treasures, including furniture, artwork, jewelry, and vintage collectibles, while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the historic city center.
  • Culinary Experiences: Indulge in Tuscan cuisine with food tours and tastings that showcase local specialties such as ribollita (Tuscan bread soup), bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), and wines from the nearby Chianti region. Visitors can sample delicacies at traditional trattorias, wine bars, and gourmet shops while learning about Arezzo's culinary traditions and gastronomic heritage.
Where should I eat in Arezzo?
  • La Lancia d'Oro: Situated in the historic center of Arezzo, La Lancia d'Oro is a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its creative interpretations of traditional Tuscan dishes. The menu features seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers and offers a selection of exquisite tasting menus paired with fine wines.
  • Ristorante La Torre di Gnicche: Located in a historic building overlooking Piazza Grande, Ristorante La Torre di Gnicche offers panoramic views of Arezzo's medieval skyline. The restaurant specializes in Tuscan cuisine with a modern twist, and the menu includes dishes such as pici pasta with wild boar ragù and Chianina beef steak.
  • Osteria del Borro: Situated in the picturesque village of Il Borro, just outside Arezzo, Osteria del Borro offers an elegant dining experience in a stunning countryside setting. The restaurant serves traditional Tuscan dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and guests can enjoy alfresco dining on the terrace overlooking the vineyards.
  • Trattoria Toscana: A favorite among locals, Trattoria Toscana is known for its warm hospitality and authentic Tuscan cuisine. The menu features a variety of classic dishes, including ribollita, pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta), and bistecca alla fiorentina, all served in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Ristorante La Capannaccia: Nestled in the hills outside Arezzo, Ristorante La Capannaccia offers a rustic yet refined dining experience in a charming farmhouse setting. The restaurant specializes in traditional Tuscan cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers.
What should I eat in Arezzo?
  • Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A thick-cut T-bone steak, typically sourced from Chianina cattle, grilled over a wood fire and seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and olive oil. It's a classic Tuscan dish that's popular in many restaurants throughout Arezzo.
  • Pici all'Aglione: Pici is a thick, hand-rolled pasta similar to spaghetti, typically served with a sauce made from aglione, a variety of garlic native to Tuscany. The sauce is often rich and flavorful, featuring tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes chili pepper.
  • Ribollita: A hearty Tuscan soup made with leftover bread, cannellini beans, vegetables such as kale, cabbage, and carrots, and often flavored with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. It's a comforting and nourishing dish, perfect for colder days.
  • Crostini Toscani: Slices of toasted bread topped with a variety of savory toppings, such as chicken liver pâté (crostini di fegatini), Tuscan tomato and basil salsa (crostini al pomodoro), or diced tomatoes and garlic (crostini al pomodoro).
  • Cinghiale in Umido: Wild boar stew is a traditional Tuscan dish that's popular in Arezzo. The meat is slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, and red wine until tender and flavorful, resulting in a rich and hearty stew.

Arezzo  Gallery

What are the best places to stay in Arezzo?
  • Hotel Continentale: Situated in the heart of Arezzo, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring the city's attractions such as the Piazza Grande and the Basilica of San Francesco.
  • Hotel Badia di Pomaio: Nestled in the scenic Tuscan countryside just outside of Arezzo, this boutique hotel offers tranquility and stunning views. Guests can enjoy luxurious rooms, a swimming pool, and gourmet dining featuring local ingredients.
  • Borgo San Felice: Located in the nearby countryside, Borgo San Felice is a charming luxury resort housed in a restored medieval village. Guests can indulge in spa treatments, wine tastings, and Michelin-starred dining while experiencing the beauty of the Tuscan landscape.
  • La Corte del Re: Situated in a historic building in the center of Arezzo, La Corte del Re offers elegant rooms decorated in a traditional Tuscan style. Guests can enjoy a cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and proximity to the city's main attractions.
  • Villa La Striscia: This countryside villa offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, yet it's just a short drive from Arezzo. Guests can relax in spacious rooms, take a dip in the pool, and savor delicious homemade breakfasts made with fresh local ingredients.
What's the closest airport to Arezzo?
Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola) (FLR):

  • Located in Florence, approximately 90 kilometers northwest of Arezzo.
  • Florence Airport is the closest major airport serving the region.
  • From Florence Airport, you can reach Arezzo by rental car, taxi, or public transportation. Renting a car and driving to Arezzo takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are available outside the airport terminals, but they can be expensive for long journeys. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Florence's main train station (Santa Maria Novella) and then catch a train to Arezzo.

Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi – Umbria International Airport (PEG):

  • Located in Perugia, approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Arezzo.
  • Perugia Airport is another option, although it's located a similar distance away from Arezzo as Florence Airport.
  • From Perugia Airport, you can reach Arezzo by rental car, taxi, or public transportation. Renting a car and driving to Arezzo takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Taxis are available outside the airport terminals, but they can be expensive for long journeys. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Perugia Train Station and then catch a train to Arezzo.
What's the main train station in Arezzo?
Arezzo Train Station (Stazione di Arezzo):
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  • Located in the city center of Arezzo.
  • Arezzo Train Station is well-connected to major cities in Italy, including Florence, Rome, and Milan.
  • From Arezzo Train Station, you can easily explore the city and its surroundings using local buses, taxis, or on foot.
What private transfer options are there for Arezzo?
A private transfer from Florence Airport to Arezzo takes around 1 hour 5 minutes. 

If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
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  • Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
  • Arrival date
  • Arrival time
  • Number of passengers
  • Destination (either town or specific hotel) 
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Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car in Arezzo?
Hertz:
  •    - Address: Via Fratelli Rosselli, 15, 52100 Arezzo AR, Italy
  •    - Phone: +39 0575 401288

Europcar:
  •    - Address: Piazzale della Repubblica, 29, 52100 Arezzo AR, Italy
  •    - Phone: +39 0575 408161

Avis:
  •    - Address: Via Guglielmo Marconi, 72, 52100 Arezzo AR, Italy
  •    - Phone: +39 0575 365393

Sixt:
  •    - Address: Via Piero della Francesca, 11, 52100 Arezzo AR, Italy
  •    - Phone: +39 0575 1818300

Budget:
  •    - Address: Via Guglielmo Marconi, 33, 52100 Arezzo AR, Italy
  •    - Phone: +39 0575 365393
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