Family Exploration of Historic Arezzo

First Impressions of Arezzo
Our arrival in Arezzo felt like stepping into a painting. The air was warm, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and freshly baked bread. After our drive from Sarnen, Switzerland, through the picturesque countryside, the city welcomed us with open arms. It was the perfect start to our ten-day family adventure in Tuscany.

Our journey began with a hearty breakfast at Antica Fonte. The aroma of Italian coffee and the taste of freshly baked pastries set the tone for a day of exploration and discovery. Fuelled and ready, we set off to explore the city's gems, starting with the imposing Fortezza Medicea.


Discover authentic Tuscan flavors at Antica Fonte - where tradition meets culinary excellence in Arezzo.

Exploring Fortezza Medicea

The Fortezza Medicea, a jewel of 16th-century military architecture, stood proudly on the hill of San Donato. As we approached, I was immediately struck by its grandeur and strategic design. Hans, ever the pragmatist, admired the craftsmanship, while Sophie, with her keen interest in history, peppered me with questions about its past.


Visit Fortezza Medicea in Arezzo for a blend of history, breathtaking views, and serene parkland in the heart of Tuscany.

The fortress, built between 1538 and 1560 under the will of Cosimo I de' Medici, offered an exceptional lookout point. From its ramparts, we enjoyed panoramic views of Arezzo and the surrounding countryside. The star-shaped layout, designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, was a marvel to behold. I could almost imagine the soldiers of centuries past, guarding the city from invaders.

Walking through the fortress, we learned about its history as a bulwark of Florentine rule during the Middle Ages. Sophie was particularly fascinated by the stories of secret meetings and strategic maneuvers that had taken place within its walls. The fortress has witnessed a succession of destruction and reconstruction since 1319, representing a significant piece of the city's history. Today, it hosts exhibitions and events, blending culture and recreation.

Arezzo Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece

Our next stop was the Arezzo Cathedral, also known as the Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Donato. Dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Donatus, it stands majestically on the hill of San Pietro. The cathedral's Gothic architecture is imposing, dominating the Piazza del Duomo.


Explore Arezzo Cathedral - A beautiful blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture in the heart of Tuscany, rich in history and art.

As we stepped inside, the vastness of the interior took my breath away. The nave and two side aisles, separated by clustered piers, created a sense of grandeur and reverence. The superb cycle of stained-glass windows, painted by Guillaume de Marcillat in the early 16th century, cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the stone floor.

I was particularly moved by the Ark of St. Donatus, which contains the mortal remains of Arezzo's patron saint. The marble altarpiece, with its intricate bas-reliefs and pinnacles, was a testament to the skill and artistry of the Florentine, Aretine, and Sienese artists who created it.

Sophie, always drawn to the spiritual aspects of our travels, lit a candle for her grandmother, a quiet moment of reflection amidst the grandeur of the cathedral. Hans, meanwhile, admired the architectural details, pointing out the blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles that reflected the city's long and varied history.

To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries. - Aldous Huxley

Piazza Grande: The Heart of Arezzo

We then made our way to Piazza Grande, the heart of Arezzo. This sloped, irregularly shaped piazza is one of the most beautiful in Tuscany, surrounded by buildings from different periods in history. As we entered the piazza, I felt a sense of timelessness, as if we had stepped back into the Middle Ages.


Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza Grande in Arezzo, where history, culture, and local cuisine come together in a stunning medieval setting.

The piazza's unique character comes from its construction on a downhill slope. During the Middle Ages, it was the location for the market, and during the Renaissance, it became the center of the city's civic life. Today, it hosts the Saracen Joust twice a year, a historic event that recreates the chivalrous competition dating back to the Middle Ages. We were sorry to have missed it, as the event only occurs in June and September. However, every first weekend of the month, the Piazza hosts the major Antiques Fair, one of the most important of its kind in Italy.

The buildings surrounding the piazza are a mix of medieval and Renaissance styles. The Palazzo delle Logge, designed by Giorgio Vasari, dominates the highest part of Piazza Grande with its elegant porch. Across from it, medieval stone buildings like the Torre Faggiolana and Palazzo Cofani-Brizzolari add to the piazza's charm.

We strolled through the piazza, soaking in the atmosphere and admiring the architecture. Sophie bought a small crystal at La Boutique dei Cristalli, a memento of our first day in Arezzo. Hans and I enjoyed a glass of local wine at a café, watching the world go by.


Explore La Boutique dei Cristalli in Arezzo for exquisite handcrafted crystal treasures that capture the essence of Italian artistry and craftsmanship.

A Culinary Conclusion

As evening approached, we made our way to Trattoria Cavour 42 for dinner. The restaurant, recommended by a local, offered a cozy and authentic Tuscan dining experience. We savored traditional dishes like pappa al pomodoro and bistecca alla fiorentina, accompanied by a robust Chianti Classico.


Discover authentic Tuscan flavors at Trattoria Cavour 42 in Arezzo - where tradition meets taste in every dish.

Over dinner, we recounted the day's adventures, sharing our favorite moments and discoveries. Sophie was already planning our itinerary for tomorrow, eager to explore the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art and the Roman Amphitheatre. Hans, ever practical, was looking forward to trying a local bar.

As we walked back to our accommodation at HOTEL RESIDENCE LE CORNIOLE, the city was bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. The air was cool and still, carrying the distant sound of music and laughter. I felt a sense of contentment, knowing that our family exploration of historic Arezzo was off to a perfect start.


Discover comfort and modern living at Residence Le Corniole, just steps from Arezzo's historic center, offering stunning views and top-notch amenities.

Tomorrow promises more adventures as we delve deeper into Arezzo's rich history and culture. We plan to visit the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art, the Santa Maria della Pieve church, and the Roman Amphitheatre. And perhaps, we'll find time to relax at Divò Cocktail Bar RistoClub, a local favorite.

As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this opportunity to share my love of travel and history with my family. Arezzo, with its timeless charm and rich cultural heritage, was already weaving its magic on us. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.