Family Exploration of Historic Arezzo

A Day of Echoes

Today in Arezzo was a journey through time, a blend of artistic admiration, architectural exploration, and the simple joys of experiencing local life with my family. It's days like these that stitch themselves into the fabric of our memories, little moments that we'll recount for years to come.

Our morning began with a hearty breakfast at OFFICINE. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and strong Italian coffee filled the air, setting the perfect tone for our explorations. Sophie was particularly excited, having spotted some interesting-looking sweets that she couldn't wait to try. Hans, ever the practical one, made sure we all had enough to fuel our walk through the city.


Discover the authentic flavors of Italy at OFFICINE in Arezzo – where every dish tells a story.

Fueled and ready, our first stop was the Monument of Francesco Petrarca. As a librarian specializing in historical archives, I have always felt a deep connection to the written word and the individuals who have shaped it. Seeing the monument dedicated to Petrarch, an early Renaissance Italian poet born in Arezzo, was particularly moving. The monument is located in the beautiful park of the city, Prato, on top of the San Pietro Hill. The monument itself is a four-meter tall statue of Petrarch. He is depicted holding the poem 'Africa', with the Capitoline she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus at his feet. The monument was inaugurated on November 25, 1928, in the presence of King Vittorio Emanuele III.


Discover the Monument of Francesco Petrarca in Arezzo, a stunning tribute that celebrates Italy's literary heritage amidst serene gardens.

I explained to Sophie the significance of Petrarch's work and his influence on literature. She seemed genuinely interested, asking questions about his life and poetry. It's moments like these, sharing my passion with her, that make these family trips so special. Hans, while perhaps not as enthralled with the literary aspects, appreciated the artistry of the monument and the history it represented.

The true value does not lie in the products we possess, but in the experiences we share.

From there, we strolled to the Albergotti Palace, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture. Also known as “Palazzo delle Statue” (Palace of Statues), the palace is adorned with allegorical terracotta sculptures by Arcangelo Ciofini. The palace was built between 1792 and 1799 on Alessio Albergotti's commission. I was immediately struck by the grandeur of the building, its elegant façade a testament to the architectural style that broke away from Baroque and Rococo, drawing inspiration from Greco-Roman art.


Explore Albergotti Palace, a stunning Renaissance gem in Arezzo, showcasing Italy's rich history and architectural beauty.

We spent some time admiring the statues and discussing the history of the palace, learning about its various uses over the centuries, including a period when it was purchased by Leopold II of Habsburg-Lorraine to serve as the city's grand ducal palace. Sophie, always fascinated by art, was particularly interested in the allegorical sculptures and their symbolism. Hans, ever the observant one, pointed out the intricate details in the stonework and the overall craftsmanship of the building.

Leaving the palace, we made our way to Porta San Lorentino, one of the ancient gates of Arezzo. Also known as Porta del Foro, the gate is one of the four gates built in the 16th century as part of the city's defense system. As we approached, I couldn't help but imagine the countless people who had passed through this gate over the centuries, each with their own stories and journeys. The gate was renovated in 1644, and in the 1930s, two secondary arches were added to improve traffic flow. In 1999, a copy of the Chimera of Arezzo was placed under the gate to commemorate the archaeological discovery.


Discover the historical significance of Porta San Lorentino, a medieval gateway that embodies Arezzo's rich architectural heritage and charm.

Sophie was intrigued by the gate's history, especially the fact that it was once part of the city's defensive walls. Hans, always interested in engineering, examined the structure of the gate, noting the different phases of construction and the various architectural styles. As we stood there, I felt a sense of connection to the past, a recognition that we were walking in the footsteps of those who had come before us.

For lunch, we headed to Il Cantuccio, a charming restaurant known for its traditional Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant has preserved its passion and dedication to typical Tuscan cuisine over the years. Recipes and flavors have been passed down from generation to generation for over 100 years. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the aroma of the food was simply irresistible. We ordered a selection of local specialties, including handmade pasta, grilled meats, and fresh vegetables. Every dish was a celebration of Tuscan flavors, a testament to the region's culinary heritage.


Experience authentic Tuscan cuisine at Il Cantuccio in Arezzo - where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.

Sophie, always a bit of a picky eater, surprised us by trying everything and declaring it delicious. Hans, a man of simple tastes, appreciated the quality of the ingredients and the authenticity of the recipes. As we savored our meal, we talked and laughed, enjoying each other's company and soaking in the ambiance of the restaurant.

After lunch, we decided to do a little shopping. Sophie had her eye on a few souvenirs, and Hans was looking for a new leather belt. We stumbled upon Flying Tiger Copenhagen, a quirky store filled with all sorts of fun and unusual items. Sophie was in her element, browsing through the colorful displays and picking out little trinkets. Hans, surprisingly, found a few things that caught his eye, including a set of miniature tools that he thought would be perfect for his woodworking projects.


Explore Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Arezzo for unique gifts and home goods that capture the spirit of your travels in Italy.

I, of course, couldn't resist buying a few notebooks and pens, always on the lookout for new additions to my writing collection. As we left the store, laden with our purchases, we couldn't help but smile at the sheer randomness of it all.

As evening approached, we made our way to Osteria Da Giovanna, a restaurant recommended by several locals. The restaurant is known for its traditional Arezzo cuisine and its family-run atmosphere. The osteria has been serving traditional dishes since 1952. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. The staff made us feel like we were part of their family, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting.


Savor authentic Tuscan flavors at Osteria Da Giovanna in Arezzo - where tradition meets culinary excellence.

We ordered a variety of dishes, including the grifi, trippa and fegatelli. Each dish was prepared with care and attention to detail, showcasing the best of Arezzo's culinary traditions. Sophie, who had initially been hesitant about trying some of the more unusual dishes, ended up loving everything. Hans, a man of few words, simply nodded his approval, his face a picture of contentment.

As we finished our meal, we lingered over a glass of local wine, savoring the last moments of the day. The conversation flowed easily, and we found ourselves sharing stories and memories, laughing and reminiscing. It was the perfect end to a perfect day, a reminder of the simple joys of family, food, and shared experiences.

Tomorrow, we're planning a trip to the Tuscan countryside with a wine tour and sightseeing, visiting the Azienda Agricola Montefioralle Winery and Greve in Chianti. I'm excited to explore more of this beautiful region and discover new flavors and experiences with my family. I am also excited to stop by Emilio in Vineria for a glass of wine.

Today was more than just a day of sightseeing; it was a day of connection, of shared experiences, and of creating memories that will last a lifetime. And as I reflect on our adventures, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to explore this beautiful corner of the world with the people I love most.