Arezzo, what to do and where to eat
Between art, restaurants, craftsmanship and shopping, all there is to discover in the ancient city of gold
We are in eastern Tuscany, surrounded by the unmistakable landscape of our land, which opens up into four different valleys: Valdarno, Valtiberina, Casentino, and Valdichiana. Arezzo is one of the oldest art cities in the region (founded by the Etruscans between the 6th and 5th centuries BC) renowned worldwide for its cultural heritage. It's a city known for its gold (a tradition that still lives on in the many artisan shops in the historic center) and a natural film set for Oscar-winning movies - think of Guido, the fantastic Roberto Benigni, riding a bicycle through the city's alleys at the beginning of the award-winning film "Life Is Beautiful." The city is also synonymous with art: from Francesco Petrarch to Giorgio Vasari to Piero della Francesca, it has seen the birth of some of the most influential personalities in Italian culture.
Arezzo (ph. Alexander Henke)
What to see in Arezzo
Leave your car at the large, free parking lot on Via Pietri. You'll find yourself in front of the city walls: take the escalators that lead you directly to Piazza San Domenico. It will feel like entering the heart of the city, as if you've known it forever. In the Basilica of San Domenico, in the center of the apse, you'll find the monumental Crucifix, a youthful work by Cimabue. Dedicate a few minutes to it; it's truly worth it. Nearby is the Casa del Vasari, purchased and decorated by the artist in a Mannerist style. It is now owned by the state and houses the Vasari Museum and Archive. Continuing to the left, you'll encounter the splendid Church of Santa Maria in Gradi: step inside for a moment to admire Andrea della Robbia's Madonna della Misericordia. Proceed straight to Piazza Duomo. The Cathedral houses numerous works of art, including Piero della Francesca's "La Maddalena" and the decorated stained glass windows by Guillaume de Marcillat. The walk continues in Piazza Grande, the heart of the city, next to the medieval towers. The Vasari Loggia, one of the most beautiful Renaissance architectural works, stands here. Don't miss, inside the Basilica of San Francesco, the Bacci Chapel with Piero della Francesca's masterpiece frescoes of the Legend of the True Cross.
Arezzo, Museo di Casa Vasari, Sala del trionfo della Virtù © MiC-Direzione regionale Musei nazionali della ToscanaEvents not to be missed
The Giostra del Saracino, a chivalrous game rooted in the Middle Ages, has become a historical and social part of the city's DNA, celebrated throughout the year by its four districts (Porta Crucifera, Porta del Foro, Porta Sant'Andrea, and Porta Santo Spirito). It takes place in the setting of Piazza Grande.
The Antiques Fair, founded by Arezzo's antiquarian and collector Ivan Bruschi in the 1960s, is held on the first weekend of every month.
The International Polyphonic Competition 'Guido d'Arezzo,' dedicated to choral music and with a history spanning over half a century, signifies a strong connection between the city and the world of music (originating from Guido Monaco, the Aretine theorist who renamed musical notes, living between 974 BC and 1050 AD).
Where to go shopping
Take Corso Italia and enjoy a pleasant stroll among historic shops and international multi-brand stores like Sugar, a true institution owned by Giuseppe Angiolini, President of the Chamber of Buyers. For over 40 years, it has offered a unique selection of clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories for both men and women. For design and antique enthusiasts, one of the city's most interesting offerings can be found on one of the parallel streets (Via Margaritone 27) at Spazio Lebole: a former industrial structure of great impact, it's a multifunctional space that includes classic antiques, the decorative and artistic universe of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, a section dedicated to children, a florist, an area for antique jewelry and costume jewelry, and unique proposals for tableware.
Where to eat in Arezzo
Essenza Dario e Anna - dal 1964
Piazza Grande, 16
ph. +39 340 1066544
A family-run restaurant for three generations where you'll be immediately enchanted by the scent of freshly grated truffle on many dishes. Benedetta and Matteo, the welcoming children of the owner, will greet you. Highlights include venison served with cashews, juniper, beets, and Campari, as well as homemade gnocchi with chamomile, orange, cuttlefish, black truffle, and cocoa beans.
Ristorante Essenza ArezzoLe Chiavi D'Oro
Piazza S. Francesco, 7
ph. +39 0575 403313
One of the city's best restaurants offering traditional dishes revisited in an intimate and delightful setting, such as tagliatelle with white duck ragù or rabbit with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and puntarelle.
Logge Vasari
Piazza Grande
ph. +39 0575 300333
A city institution since 1980 that serves local dishes like zolfini beans, Celtic potatoes, and Chianina beef, along with homemade pasta, bread, and desserts.
Ristorante Logge VasariLa Lancia D'Oro
Piazza Grande, 18
ph. +39 0575 21033
A culinary destination not to be missed, serving authentic Tuscan cuisine, from ribollita and tomato pappa to fresh truffle tagliatelle. An extensive selection of local wines completes the experience.
Ristorante Lancia D'Oro 
