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Arezzo - Panorama of the historic centre
Situated in the East of Tuscany and bordered by the Apennines, the province of Arezzo encompasses the areas of Casentino, Valdarno, Valtiberina and Val di Chiana. Each of these, comprising unique landscapes where natural beauty blends harmoniously with historical heritage and masterpieces of art.
The Casentino Valley is surrounded by high hills with long-standing woods. Along the Tosco-Emiliano Apennine there is the Foreste Casentinesi Monte Falterona Campigna National Park, where among steep cliffs and thick vegetation two important spiritual locations are well worth a visit: the sanctuary of La Verna and the monastery of Camaldoli.
The Valdarno natural reserve holds many surprises; its characteristic landscape is dominated by the spectacular “Balze”, yellow rock formations made of stratified clay, gravel and sand that rise up in diverse shapes, creating a fantastic scenery.
The Val di Chiana landscape is a breathtaking succession of hills and valleys that are home to some real jewels of art such as Monte San Savino, Lucignano and Cortona.
Situated near the border of Tuscany, the Valtiberina preserves an unspoiled environment with castles, parish churches and historic villages such as Anghiari, Caprese Michelangelo and Sanseplocro. There are still many unspoiled spots to explore, including the forests of the Pratomagno range and numerous protected areas of local interest.
The great Italian poet Petrarch was born in Arezzo as well as outstanding artists like Piero della Francesca, Masaccio, Michelangelo, Luca Signorelli, Pietro da Cortona and Vasari who all left signs of their creativity and genius in Arezzo and in other towns nearby. A blend of artistic itineraries, ranging from Piero della Francesca to the Della Robbia family, offer a chance to admire the paintings, sculptures and architecture that make even the smallest hamlets of this region unique. In this area nature and a thousand years of man’s labour come together creating an assembly that never ceases to astonish and enchant.
Arezzo is an extraordinary city of art and renowned for its goldsmiths and antiques traders.
The old town is home to valuable monuments including the imposing Medici Fortress, the Cathedral and the Diocesan museum. The Archeological museum, showcases many valuable finds, recalling the city’s importance in the Etruscan period, while the State Museum of Medieval and Modern Art provides an overview of the artistic production in this area from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
The heart of the city is Piazza Grande, surrounded by buildings of various periods and styles, among them the medieval towers and the Renaissance style “Loggiato Vasariano”.
Casa Vasari is well worth a visit, too. It has been converted into a museum where you can admire decorations made by the artist himself, a family archive and some paintings. The San Francesco Basilica is the ideal starting point for an itinerary to discover the 14th century painter Piero della Francesca, as it preserves the “Leggenda della Vera Croce” (Legend of the True Cross), one of the greatest masterpieces of early Renaissance art. The itinerary leads then to Monterchi where you can admire the stunning fresco of the “Madonna del Parto” and to Sansepolcro where four of the master’s most important works are displayed in the Museo Civico.
Another place to visit in Sansepolcro is the central Piazza della Torre Berta with the cathedral and historic buildings and home to the Palio della Balestra, a historic event dating back to the fifteenth century. Do not miss a visit to the small town of Caprese Michelangelo, the birthplace of Michelangelo Buonarroti, with a museum dedicated to the artist situated within the old castle.
Of great artistic as well as religious value is the Sanctuary of La Verna in the Casentino forests, today a popular place of pilgrimage. Perched on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by age-old fir and beech trees, the complex includes several buildings decorated with magnificent works by Andrea della Robbia. Another of Casentino’s religious destinations is the Camaldoli Monastery, where monks still live today. Two more interesting small medieval towns deserve a visit: Bibbiena, with valuable churches and architecture, and Poppi, dominated by its magnificent castle.
Among the many villages of the Val di Chiana, Cortona is particularly fascinating having preserved its heritage sites, including various Palazzi, the Cathedral, the Museo Diocesano and the Church of San Francesco. Moreover, at Cortona you can visit the Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca e della Città (MAEC) as well as a some Etruscan necropolises not far from the city centre.
San Giovanni Valdarno, the birthplace of Masaccio, has an old town with many fine buildings, including the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Palazzo Pretorio.
Evocative medieval parish churches are scattered all over the province, immersed in the greenery: Santa Maria Assunta in Stia, San Pietro in Romena and San Pietro in Gròpina, a genuine Romanesque jewel, to name but a few. There are also many castles and religious locations, among them the Romanesque Abbey of Farneta near Cortona.
The area also offers a fascinating tour to discover the wonderful works of the Della Robbia artists: from the magnificent altarpiece in the Arezzo Cathedral, to the masterpieces in the La Verna sanctuary, in the Camaldoli monastery, in the Santa Maria del Sasso sanctuary at Bibbiena and in the castle at Poppi. Examples of their art can also be found in Montevarchi and in the small parish churches along the Valdarno.
Unspoiled nature and cultivated countryside: the province of Arezzo offers a variety of opportunities to enjoy a holiday in the open air, taking part in various physical activities.
The Foreste Casentinesi Monte Falterona e Campigna National Park is the ideal place for excursions on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, while in winter you can follow the tracks with skis and snowshoes. In other protected areas along the banks of the Tiber and the Arno, you can also set out on unique excursions in search of the numerous local plant and wildlife species.
Cycling enthusiasts can follow the Canale Maestro della Chiana cycling trail from Arezzo to Cortona, through areas perfectly suited for a sporty holiday amidst unspoiled scenery.
Gourmands may follow the vine and tasting routes that wind through the main valleys of the Arezzo province, through vineyards, olive and chestnut groves, stopping off at wineries and local firms for the tasting of wine and typical produce.
In this land rich in traditions, there are numerous folk festivals, including the famous Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo, the Giostra dell’Archidado in Cortona, the Palio dei Rioni in Castiglion Fiorentino and the Palio della Balestra in Sansepolcro. Particularly interesting is the historical re-enactment of the battle of Scannagallo in Foiano della Chiana. Among the special events, the international Merletto Biennale at Sansepolcro stands out and, among festivals dedicated to typical produce, the “Sagra della porchetta” (festival of the suckling pig) at Monte San Savino.
The cuisine of Arezzo is genuine, tasty and varied, based on rural traditions and produce of the land.
Typical products include mushrooms and cheeses from the Casentino area, ham from Pratomagno, truffles from the Tiber Valley, and other cheeses, especially “abbucciato”.
Among the first courses soups and “bringoli” from Valtiberina stand out, the latter is a sort of thick hand-pulled spaghetti.
Second courses include “Chianina” steak, typical of Val di Chiana, game and eel “al tegamaccio” and dishes made with chestnuts are also prevalent.
The speciality of Casentino is “tortello alla lastra”, stuffed with cabbage, potato, ricotta and “Acquacotta alla Stiana”, prepared with stale bread, broth, sausage and tomatoes. Another typical dish is stewed “grifi”, the lean and callous part of a calf’s muzzle, cooked with tomato and herbs.
The production of local wines is also notable, including Colli dell’Etruria Centrale, Chianti dei Colli Aretini and Bianco della Val di Chiana.
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