What to see in Arezzo: the elegant city of Tuscany

If you are a traveler eager to find out what to see in Arezzo, the enchanting pearl of Tuscany, in this short guide we will tell you everything you need to know about this charming destination, that holds many surprises, yet to be discovered. 

Arezzo is an elegant city, we'll see why. This beautiful city in the heart of Tuscany, is rich in history, charm, art, culture and tradition. Arezzo will surprise you thanks to its artistic wonders, the authentic flavors of Tuscany, rich in vineyards, the breathtaking landscapes of the four valleys that surround it, but above all thanks to the charming Christmas atmosphere that makes Arezzo one of the most successful destinations during Christmas. Are you ready to find out more about Arezzo?

Discover Arezzo, the elegant city

Arezzo is a city rich in history, charm and tradition. It stands out in everyone's eyes as a jewel of elegance set in the heart of Tuscany. Every corner of its historic center exudes culture and art, where masterpieces by Piero della Francesca and Giorgio Vasari dialogue with medieval and Renaissance architecture. Among its streets are workshops of artisans that smell of tradition, keepers of ancient crafts and secrets of art. Arezzo is nestled among verdant hills dotted with vineyards, seducing the palate with its fine wines and its gastronomy: from delicious liver crostini to pici with Chianina meat sauce, each dish tells a story of authentic and genuine flavors.

Each year, the city comes alive with two must-see events: the Antiques Fair, a haven for lovers of vintage and collectibles, and Dandy Days, a gathering of elegance and extravagance that celebrates the unique and sought-after style of the Dandies, men and women of yesteryear.

Every season in Arezzo is magical. In Fall in Arezzo you can watch the Foliage: a riot of warm colors light up in the alleys and squares, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. Finally, Christmas transforms Arezzo into an enchanted village, illuminated by illuminations and enveloped in a magical atmosphere. Christmas markets, handcrafted nativity scenes, themed events and recreational activities for all ages create an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.

Arezzo, with its timeless elegance, invites a sensory journey of art, taste and tradition in a perfect combination that wins the heart of every visitor.

Arezzo is a city rich in history, art and culture. The city is inextricably linked to the name of two of the greatest artists in Italian history, Giorgio Vasari and Piero della Francesca. It is precisely the latter, one of the greatest painters of the Italian Renaissance, who, thanks to his genius, left an indelible imprint on the city, which holds some of his most famous works. 

In the basilica of San Francesco is the Bacci Chapel decorated with frescoes of the Legend of the True Cross a true absolute masterpiece of Piero della Francesca. The civic museum also houses several works by the painter including the Madonna del parto one of his most iconic images and the polyptych of mercy. The house of Piero della Francesca that is his birthplace is now used as a museum, one can visit and walk the traces of his life immersing oneself in a Renaissance atmosphere. 

In addition to the various works of the Renaissance painter, Arezzo offers its tourists a vast cultural and artistic heritage so we recommend visiting the Cathedral, which houses frescoes by Vasari himself is a precious reliquary containing the Holy Face, still among the monuments to visit absolutely there are the Roman amphitheater and The Medici Fortress as well as the Piazza Grande where most of the events of the city take place. 

Arezzo is a city that must be discovered slowly, one must indulge in its beauty and its unique atmosphere that changes from season to season without ever distorting itself, always offering something spectacular depending on the time of year. In this city, history, art, and tradition are harmoniously interwoven giving unforgettable emotions.

Tuscany is renowned for its food and wine excellence, and Arezzo is no exception. The entire area is characterized by a particular Mediterranean climate that ensures mild winters and fairly warm and dry summers all of which guarantee ideal vine cultivation. The hilly soils that are composed mostly of limestone marls and saplings give the wines a very unique and distinctive character. 

Among the various fine wines that are cultivated in the area we find Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Trebbiano and Malvasia but we must also mention excellences such as Vin Santo and Chianti DOCG (a red and very robust wine to accompany thick cuts of meat). Canaiolo is a red grape variety that is used for the production of red and rosé wines. Trebbiano is a white grape variety that is used for the production of white and passito wines. Malvasia is a white grape variety that is used for the production of sweet white wines and passiti, ideal for accompanying desserts.

Tuscany is famous for its food and wine, and Arezzo delights its inhabitants and tourists with unique recipes accompanied with a good wine. Some of the recipes are, for example, pork chops with black cabbage, accompanied by a Chianti classico DOCG or a Nobile di Montepulciano wine; or Tuscan-style crostini accompanied by a Chianti classico but we are in Tuscany and we must not forget a classic Florentine grilled steak served with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and coarse salt. Very famous are Pici all'aglione, a type of fresh pasta seasoned with garlic, extra virgin olive oil, chili pepper and pecorino romano cheese. For dessert? Cantucci, dry almond cookies, typically served with Vin Santo.

What to see in Arezzo? If you are a lover of food and wine a tour of Arezzo is for you because you would have the opportunity to visit all the wineries in the area, many of them are open to the public, and offer wine tastings and guided tours, you can participate in real food and wine tours or book a table in a typical restaurant, taste the typical dishes of the Aretine culinary tradition in a cozy atmosphere.

Arezzo is waiting for you for a unique and unforgettable journey of taste and tradition.

Do you love traveling through time? Arezzo's antiques fair is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and tradition of made in Italy. Antiques enthusiasts will not be able to resist Arezzo's monthly antiques market, one of the most renowned in Italy, which takes place in Piazza Grande, in the heart of the city's historic center, every first Sunday of the month and The Saturday before.

It is the largest and most important antiques fair in Italy, boasting more than 400 exhibitors and a wide variety of items including furniture, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, rugs, books and more. This is an unmissable opportunity to find unique and rare pieces of excellent workmanship.

The upcoming dates of the Arezzo Antiques Fair are: Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7;

Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4;

Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1;

Saturday 5 Sunday, October 6;

Saturday, November 2 Sunday, November 3;

Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1.

Here is some useful information about the Arezzo Antiques Fair:

When: Every first Sunday of the month and the preceding Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (November through March) or 8 p.m. (April through October).

Where: Arezzo's historic center, particularly Piazza Grande and nearby streets.

How to get there: Arezzo is easily accessible by train or car. Arezzo train station is about a 15-minute walk from the historic center.

What to do: In addition to visiting the fair, you can also take the opportunity to explore Arezzo's beautiful historic center, which is home to many museums, churches and monuments.

Lovers of fashion, classic style and the eccentric cannot help but love madly one of the most important events held every year in the city of Arezzo: the Dandy Days. 

Arezzo is considered somewhat the cradle of Italian sophistication and for two days every year it is transformed into a stage of charm, extravagance and elegance. Every year in Arezzo for two days is held the gathering of vintage fashion and elegance enthusiasts called precisely Dandy Days, usually held in the summer period of June and July but the dates may vary from year to year.

Attendees show off their best outfits of timeless elegance to participate in fashion shows and competitions while attending tailoring and barbering demonstrations. The event also hosts a variety of vendors who of course offer and offer their handcrafted clothing, vintage accessories, jewelry, toiletries and more. 

Who are Dandies? A Dandy is an elegant man or woman who dresses fashionably, attaches great importance to his or her appearance by valuing good taste, style, and manners while also flaunting almost a discomfort with bourgeois customs through their eccentricity. Dandyism is not just a matter of appearance but a real philosophy of life that is celebrated in the detail and refinement of aesthetics combined with individual behavior. The Dandy takes impeccable care of details; this is the essence that guarantees distinction. Dandy Days are a true style manifesto, not just an event to celebrate elegance, leaving an indelible mark in the memory of those who attend.If you're wondering what to see in Arezzo, this is one of those events that is great to attend because the community that has formed around it has a solid foundation and for fans it's a must do!

Foliage is a phenomenon that can be seen in many parts of the world. Foliage in Italy can be observed in almost every region, energetically and spectacularly.

The city of Arezzo and its entire province offer magnificent scenery and views typical of autumn colors during the Foliage period. During this period, the leaves of the trees take on breathtaking shades of color, ranging from golden yellow to fiery red, through copper brown and olive green, siena and brown. Foliage can be admired in the months from September to November, before winter begins and the snow falls.

Here are some of the best places to see foliage in and around Arezzo:

- the Prato Park in Arezzo: a large green park located between the cathedral and the Medici fortress on top of the hill, ideal for walks, children's games and moments of relaxation. From its elevated position, it offers splendid views of the city and surrounding countryside. 

- The Val d'Ambra Nature Reserve: A green oasis that is home to a dense forest of oak, beech and chestnut trees.

- The Casentino Forests National Park: A vast park that includes forests, mountains and lakes, with hiking trails offering spectacular views.

- The Pieve di San Stefano in Ranco: A Romanesque church nestled in the woods, with a fairy-tale autumn landscape.

- The Castle of Poppi: A medieval castle set on a hill, with breathtaking views of the foliage-colored Val di Chiana.

- The Road of Flavors and Landscapes: A scenic route through the vineyards and forests of Casentino, offering striking autumn views.

- The Val d'Ambra Nature Reserve: A green oasis that is home to a dense forest of oak, beech and chestnut trees.

- The Casentino Forests National Park: A vast park that includes forests, mountains and lakes, with hiking trails offering spectacular views.

- The Pieve di San Stefano in Ranco: A Romanesque church nestled in the woods, with a fairy-tale autumn landscape.

- The Castle of Poppi: A medieval castle set on a hill, with breathtaking views of the foliage-colored Val di Chiana.

Be sure to pick the right time, as mentioned above the best time to see foliage is generally between late October and mid-November, in late fall. Inquire about weather conditions because the weather can change rapidly in autumn. Wear comfortable shoes, perhaps if you plan to go hiking or trekking, wear shoes that are comfortable and suitable for the terrain. Choose your equipment well and don't forget your camera to capture the beautiful fall scenery. Don't damage plants and trees and leave the trails clean. Respect nature, always!

Foliage is a very special experience that will allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn nature. In addition to admiring the foliage, during this period you can participate in various festivals and events dedicated to typical autumn products, such as mushrooms, chestnuts and truffles. If you're wondering what to see in Arezzo, the city and its province offer an ideal setting to admire this striking spectacle, along with many other activities and attractions.

We know very well how important Christmas is for Italians, one of the most heartfelt and celebrated holidays throughout the year. During the Christmas season, the city of Arezzo is transformed into a Christmas village in perfect Lapland style. Arezzo at Christmas changes clothes, transforming itself into a village enveloped in a magical atmosphere. The heart of the Christmas village is Piazza Grande, where the Tyrolean village is set up every year with classic Christmas markets and wooden houses that recreate the typical atmosphere of Tyrolean Christmas markets and Alpine villages. Many Christmas pictures and scenes are projected around the buildings in the square, making the atmosphere even more magical. 

Among the various stands you can find local specialty foods and sweets and of course many Christmas items to adorn the tree and the house. This is an excellent time to relax during the Christmas holidays and buy some little gifts. A real dream vacation in December.

The calendar is always full of events with plenty to do, starting with the illuminated route that guides tourists and locals along the streets of the Corso, giving unprecedented glimpses of the city. The Lawn area, a huge green area overlooking the city of Arezzo, becomes the Park of Wonders: a real mini Christmas village with animations for children, stands to taste typical products, a magnificent planetarium, a Ferris wheel for the most romantic to observe the city from above and a gigantic light installation with more than 640 thousand LEDs illuminating more than 8 thousand square meters of garden.

Suggestive and the Fortress of Wonders, which is set up inside the Medici Fortress. An Elf village with many themed rooms. Many of the most beautiful nativity scenes from all over the world are displayed in Arezzo, creating a must-see exhibition. For lovers of fun and entertainment, especially for the youngest, Arezzo serves on a silver platter a beautiful ice skating rink, right in Piazza Grande. Skating under the stars, with Christmas lights all around, becomes something magical.

In short, haven't we convinced you yet? Arezzo at Christmas is a unique, magical experience that alters the senses with its sounds, lights, flavors and fairy-tale atmosphere. When asked "What to see in Arezzo" the answer will always be "Arezzo's unforgettable Christmas markets".

Discover more about Arezzo's Christmas markets