Atop one of the many hills in Arezzo, was a view as
beautiful as any I saw during my two weeks in Tuscany. Tucked in the knolls and valleys of the
vineyards were enviable villas close to a city center but in the country. One such luxury villa
is available through IVHE, and may be more affordable than you think through a
home exchange program. To see how this
works, click here.
Arezzo, the capital of the province with
the same name, is larger than most cities in Tuscany with
approximately 100,000 residents. It is
80 kilometers (close to 50 miles) southeast of Florence, and surrounded by quaint
villages and farmland. The first thing I
noticed driving into Arezzo was the medieval wall which surrounds most of
it. Its historical appearance belies the
fact that it is a great city in which to obtain provisions while traveling
through Tuscany. Parking was plentiful,
and I found the residents helpful to tourists.
Other notable architectural surprises in
Arezzo are the Medici
Fortress and Roman Amphitheater. Built
in the sixteenth century, The Medici Fortress is on the highest point in the
city and has a unique, pentagonal shape.
The Roman Amphitheater was built at the end of the first century and the
beginning of the second century.
Repeatedly sacked and its materials taken to build other structures, its
full glory does not remain, yet it is worth seeing.
Dating back to the second half of the
thirteenth century is the Basilica
di San Francesco. Within its walls
are the precious frescos of “The Legend of the True Cross,” by Piero della
Francesca. The Piazza San Francesco in
which the Basilica is located, is very pleasant and has a cozy feel. I enjoyed a cappuccino very near both the
statue of St. Francis and the basilica.
Another beautiful church is the Arezzo
Cathedral . Construction of this
church also began in the late thirteenth century and also contains a fresco by
Piero della Francesca—this fresco is of Mary Magdalen.
Medieval and renaissance architecture is a
fitting setting for the monthly Arezzo
Antiques Market. Held two days a month,
there is everything there for the serious collector or serious browser.
Though Arezzo offers significant historic
artistry, it also offers modern creativity.
Roberto Benigni’s award-winning film, “Life is Beautiful” was filmed in
Arezzo; a tour is offered to see where the film was shot.
If you would like to visit the birthplace
of Petrarch and see other delights that Arezzo has to offer—and if Tuscany is
one of your vacation imaginings, consider a luxury home exchange near
Arezzo. You’ll be glad you did.
To see other high end vacation property exchange options in Italy click here.
Thank you to Travel Blogger Sona Schmidt-Harris.
Thank you to Travel Blogger Sona Schmidt-Harris.
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