Arezzo is a hilltop city in Tuscany, in central Italy. It rises above the surrounding countryside and is known for three things: its antiques trade, its gold jewellery, and the frescoes of Piero della Francesca, which draw visitors who come specifically to see them.
What draws visitors
- Piero della Francesca frescoes. The city's best-known artworks are by this painter, and they are the reason many travellers include Arezzo in a Tuscan itinerary.
- Antiques. The city is a centre for the antiques trade, so browsing for old objects and furnishings is a natural part of a visit.
- Gold jewellery. Arezzo has a long association with goldsmithing, and its jewellery shops are a distinctive feature of the city.
Planning a visit
Arezzo suits a visit of a day or more, whether you come for art, for shopping, or simply to see a hilltop town at a slower pace. Its position on a hill means some walking uphill, and the views across the surrounding Tuscan landscape are part of the experience. Because the city is known for its art and antiques, it works well as a stop between larger Tuscan destinations.
Before you go, check opening times for the churches and collections you hope to see, as these can vary and are not fixed here.