Situated at the intersection of the Valdarno, the Valdichiana and the Casentino, Arezzo is a town in south-eastern Tuscan that has maintained its Medieval structure. The Basilica di San Francesco is the most important monument of this city so rich in places to interest, such as the Cathedral and the Pieve di Santa Maria. The church houses the "Legend of the True Cross", the famous cycle of frescoes by Piero della Francesca .

Spending your holidays in Arezzo offers you the occasion for visiting the many historical towns scattered in the surrounding countryside - Cortona, Poppi, Sansepolcro, Bibbiena and Anghiari - and for plunging in the suggestive atmosphere of the Eremo di Camaldoli (Camaldoli hermitage).

To those who love folkloric events, Arezzo offers the " Giostra del Saracino " (Saracen Joust). Arezzo hosts an important antiques fair and the " Mostra internazionale dell`oreficeria e della bigiotteria " (International gold, silver and jewellery trade exhibition) as well.

Arezzo - At the Intersection of Three Valleys

In south-eastern Tuscany, Arezzo is situated at the intersection of three valleys: Casentino, Upper Valdarno and Valdcichiana. The Arno river crosses the first two valley while slowly flowing towards Florence and the Tyrrhenian Sea; the Valdichiana, once a marshland that has now been drained, is the valley of the torrent Chiana (hence its name). The Valtiberina is the fourth valley composing the province of Arezzo.


Arezzo was founded by the Etruscans . It was one of the twelve most important Etruscan cities that composed the so‑called Dodecapolis. The famous Chimera of Arezzo, now in Florence, was found here. As Arretium it was a flourishing city in the days of the Roman Empire, well-known in particular for its pottery manufactures.

During the Middle Ages, the city was fortified using the stones of dismantled ancient buildings. From the 11th century until 1384 Arezzo was an independent city. In 1384 Florence conquered Arezzo and incorporated it in the Tuscan State of Florence.

" Piazza Grande " is in the heart of the city. The centre of the medieval city ans Aretine life, Piazza Grande is where the Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracin) takes place every first Sunday of June and September.

The " Giostra del Saraceno " is a tournament involving the four quartiers of Arezzo. The knights representing the four quartiers challenge on horseback with ancient spears and wearing ancient costumes.