GemmaArezzo is one of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets. While Florence and Siena often steal the limelight, this charming city brims with art, history, and culture that will captivate you from the first glance. Cobblestone streets, Renaissance squares, and hidden masterpieces await anyone willing to explore beyond the tourist map. If you love art, culture, and a sprinkle of Italian lifestyle, Arezzo has something for you. From my own personal experience, wandering through its streets feels like stepping into a living museum, with surprises at every corner.
Here’s your ultimate guide to 10 things to do in Arezzo for art and culture—perfect for a full day or even a relaxed long weekend.
1. Wander Around Piazza Grande
Piazza Grande is Arezzo’s heartbeat. This irregularly shaped square isn’t just visually stunning; it’s also a hub of activity. From vibrant markets to film festivals, this piazza invites you to slow down, sip a coffee, and people-watch. Its medieval architecture will make your camera work overtime. The best part? Every building tells a story—from palaces with frescoed facades to ancient towers that have witnessed centuries.
Be sure to check out the Vasari Loggia, an architectural marvel by Giorgio Vasari himself. Even if you aren’t an architecture buff, the elegance of the arches and stonework will leave you mesmerized. If you visit in September, you might even catch the Giostra del Saracino, a traditional jousting festival that brings the piazza to life with knights, horses, and medieval pageantry.
2. Explore the Frescoes at Basilica di San Francesco
Arezzo is synonymous with Piero della Francesca, and nowhere is this more evident than at the Basilica di San Francesco. The “Legend of the True Cross” fresco cycle is considered one of the Renaissance’s most important masterpieces.
Walking into the basilica feels like stepping into a storybook. Each scene bursts with color, perspective, and a sense of quiet reverence. From my overall experience, spending even a half-hour here will transform the way you view art; the detail and depth are simply staggering. Don’t rush—take time to absorb the imagery and imagine the skill and patience required to create such timeless work.
3. Discover the Charm of Arezzo’s Museums
Arezzo offers several museums that cater to art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The Museo Archeologico Mecenate houses artifacts from Arezzo’s Etruscan past, while the Museo di Arte Medievale e Moderna showcases paintings and sculptures spanning centuries.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, the Casa Vasari is a must-see. The home of Giorgio Vasari, the famed Renaissance painter and architect, has walls adorned with his work, giving you insight into both his life and the era’s art. Exploring these museums gives you a sense of the city’s layered history—from Etruscan origins to Renaissance sophistication.
4. Admire the Duomo di Arezzo
The Cathedral of Arezzo, officially known as Cattedrale di San Donato, dominates the skyline with its soaring bell tower and elegant Gothic façade. Inside, you’ll find intricate stained glass windows, delicate frescoes, and an impressive pipe organ.
The Duomo may feel quieter than the bustling piazza outside, but that serenity is part of its charm. Standing in its nave, you can almost hear the centuries of devotion echoing through the stone. It’s a contemplative experience, offering both artistic wonder and spiritual calm. From my own personal experience, this is the place where you can pause and reflect amidst the city’s vibrancy.
5. Take a Stroll Along Arezzo’s Medieval Streets
Getting lost in Arezzo’s medieval streets is a delight in itself. Via Roma, Via Garibaldi, and their neighboring lanes are lined with artisan shops, small galleries, and cafes perfect for a pit stop. Every corner seems to hide a small piece of history—a frescoed wall, a carved doorway, or a hidden courtyard.
Walking without a strict itinerary is the best way to experience the city. You never know when you’ll stumble upon a tiny chapel, an antique bookstore, or a street musician performing in the square. These spontaneous discoveries often become the most memorable parts of your visit.
6. Visit the Medicean Fortress
The Fortezza Medicea sits atop a hill and offers breathtaking views of Arezzo and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Built in the 16th century by the Medici family, it served both defensive and strategic purposes.
Inside, you can explore the fortress walls, towers, and internal courtyards. It’s also a great spot for photography, especially at sunset when the city glows with golden light. For a cultural bonus, check out the occasional exhibitions and concerts hosted here—they turn history into a lively, modern experience.
7. Experience Arezzo’s Antique Market
Arezzo is famous for its monthly antique fair, held on the first weekend of every month. Even if you’re not in the market for antiques, this event is a cultural spectacle. Vintage furniture, jewelry, paintings, and curiosities line the streets, offering a glimpse into Italy’s rich material history.
From my overall experience, browsing through these treasures is like a mini treasure hunt. You might not leave with a grand purchase, but you’ll definitely carry home memories of one-of-a-kind finds and the lively energy of local collectors and artisans.
8. Visit the Roman Amphitheater and Archaeological Sites
While Arezzo’s Renaissance and medieval history often steal the spotlight, the city’s Roman roots are just as fascinating. The Roman Amphitheater may be partially in ruins, but it tells the story of a city that thrived long before the Renaissance.
Nearby archaeological sites reveal mosaics, baths, and foundations of Roman houses. Exploring these areas gives a sense of how Arezzo evolved over millennia. It’s a reminder that the art and culture you admire today are built on layers of history stretching back thousands of years.
9. Enjoy Local Artisanal Workshops
Arezzo isn’t just about viewing art—it’s about experiencing it. Local artisans continue centuries-old traditions, from goldsmithing to ceramics. Visiting a workshop allows you to see craftsmanship firsthand and even try your hand at creating something yourself.
Jewelry workshops in particular are notable—Arezzo has a long history of gold and silversmithing. From my own personal experience, chatting with artisans and watching them at work makes you appreciate the dedication, skill, and love that goes into each creation.
10. Savor the City’s Cultural Festivals
Arezzo loves a good celebration, and cultural festivals offer a unique way to experience the city. The Giostra del Saracino is a medieval jousting tournament, while Arezzomoda showcases fashion and design. Smaller events often celebrate local music, food, and crafts, giving visitors an authentic taste of the city’s culture.
Timing your visit around one of these events can transform your trip. You’ll witness traditions preserved over centuries, all while enjoying music, food, and community spirit. From my overall experience, festivals are where Arezzo truly comes alive, blending past and present in the most delightful way.
Arezzo may not have the same fame as Florence or Siena, but that’s exactly what makes it special. Its art, history, and culture are intimate and personal, offering experiences you’ll remember long after you leave. Whether you’re wandering through frescoed basilicas, exploring ancient streets, or attending a local festival, Arezzo invites you to see, feel, and truly immerse yourself.
So pack your walking shoes, bring your curiosity, and prepare to fall in love with a city that treasures both its past and present. From my own personal experience, Arezzo isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you experience, savor, and carry in your memories forever.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.