Basilica di San Francesco: A Renaissance Masterpiece in Arezzo
Discover Piero della Francesca's Renaissance masterpiece, 'The Legend of the True Cross,' within the historic Basilica di San Francesco in Arezzo.
The Basilica di San Francesco in Arezzo is a 13th-century Gothic church, renowned for housing Piero della Francesca's magnificent fresco cycle, 'The Legend of the True Cross'. This artistic treasure, commissioned by the Bacci family, attracts visitors worldwide and stands as a testament to Renaissance artistry in Tuscany.
A brief summary to Basilica di San Francesco
- Piazza S. Francesco, Arezzo, Province of Arezzo, 52100, IT
- +3905751696256
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
- Thursday 9 am-7 pm
- Friday 9 am-7 pm
- Saturday 9 am-7 pm
- Sunday 1 pm-6 pm
Local tips
- Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure entry to the Bacci Chapel and avoid long queues.
- Take your time to admire Piero della Francesca's frescoes; the non-chronological arrangement encourages a deeper contemplation of the story.
- Dress respectfully when visiting the basilica; shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Consider joining a guided tour to learn more about the history and artistic significance of the basilica and its frescoes.
- Visit the nearby Piazza San Francesco after your visit; it's a popular spot with locals and tourists alike.
Getting There
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Walking
From Piazza Grande, walk north along Corso Italia, the main street. Turn right onto Via Madonna del Prato, then left onto Via Cesalpino. Continue straight, crossing Piazza Guido Monaco, then turn right onto Viale Michelangelo. Finally, turn left onto Piazza San Francesco. The basilica will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.
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Public Transport
From Arezzo train station, take bus line LFSC32 from Piazza Guido Monaco. This bus skirts around the city borders and will drop you off near the Cathedral. From there, walk along Via Ricasoli and turn onto Piaggia di Murello to reach the Basilica di San Francesco. A single bus ticket costs approximately €1.50.
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Taxi
From the Arezzo train station in Piazza della Repubblica, a taxi ride to Basilica di San Francesco typically costs between €10 and €15, depending on traffic. The journey takes approximately 5-10 minutes.
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Parking
If driving, the Pietri parking area is recommended. From the A1 highway, exit at Arezzo and follow signs for Bibbiena until you see signs for Parking Pietri. This parking area offers both free and paid parking spaces and is equipped with escalators that lead to the historic center. Paid parking costs approximately €1.25 per hour. From Pietri parking, follow the escalators up and walk to the Basilica.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Piazza San Francesco
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Piazza S. Francesco
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Arezzo
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Piazza Grande, 61
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Piazza della Libertà
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Essential places to dine
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