Arezzo

Arezzo is a city in Tuscany, capital of its province, situated between Florence and Rome amid the hills of the Casentino and Val di Chiana areas. Its historic centre is arranged around the sloping Piazza Grande, lined with medieval and Renaissance façades, which hosts a well-known monthly antiques fair. The Basilica of San Francesco houses the fresco cycle of the Legend of the True Cross, painted by Piero della Francesca, one of the major works of fifteenth-century Italian painting. San Donato Cathedral and the church of Santa Maria della Pieve, with its distinctive tiered arcaded façade, are among the other notable buildings. Arezzo is also the birthplace of the poet Petrarch, whose house can still be visited. Twice a year the city holds the Giostra del Saracino, a historic jousting event with medieval origins. The city is likewise known for its goldsmithing industry, remaining a significant centre for gold jewellery production. Local cuisine follows classic Tuscan traditions, featuring cured meats, pecorino cheese and wines from the surrounding countryside, with the Chianti area not far away.