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Tuscany Arezzo The furthest inland among the Tuscan provinces, this verdant countryside full of fascinating stone structures hearkens to a mysterious, medieval past. The very city of Arezzo itself if chock full of castles, fortresses and impenetrable cathedrals, all of which give a not-so-subtle reminder of the savage battling that took place constantly as opposing factions vied for power over this highly sought-after region.
You’ll need to visit Arezzo in person in order to fully understand why so many fought to the death for this land. In a word, it is gorgeous. As a tourist, you yourself may find yourself battling for that last hotel room, chalet or rental apartment – during the peak season, accommodations fill up, so it’s important to make your reservations well in advance.
When touring the region, a great place to start out is the capital. Spend at least a day, sightseeing in the city of Arezzo. Begin at the Plaza Grande, to get a sense of sense of majestic proportions the folks who built this city played with. Often a central place of colorful troop formation and menacing drum rolls, the Plaza Grande is surrounded by square, formal buildings that, if not exactly pretty in a Venetian sense, are certainly breathtaking in their formidable, castle like appearance. The Communal Palace takes this to an extreme, with its quadratic tower shooting up into a corrugated cuff evoking fairytale castle imagery and knights in shining armor. From there, you’ll want to go on and have a look at the Badia, which is a superb church.
If you love frescos, then the Church of San Francesco is the place for you. A wealth of incredible artwork by Pierre della Francesca awaits you at this amazing edifice constructed in the thick of the 15th century.
In addition to sightseeing, however, the true joy of vacationing in the Arrezzo region of Tuscany is the rest and relaxation it offers. Of course, for many Italians – and pleasure seekers who come here – “relaxation means staying out all night at the bars, nightclubs and discos spotting the various towns, villages and cities throughout the Arezzo region. |
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