Imagine booking a holiday to Tuscany. Which destinations spring immediately to mind? Is it Florence, with its Medici history, or precarious Pisa, with its famed Leaning Tower? Maybe it’s somewhere more viticulture-focused, like Chianti, or even beautiful Tuscany beaches? Or perhaps you’re heading off the beaten track to a city like Arezzo.
Arezzo is situated in Eastern Tuscany, approximately 60km outside of Siena. The Etruscans founded the city, but the Romans resettled it. And, despite its distance from Florence, it has been touched by artistic trends throughout the centuries. The earth-toned architecture is an ode to its complex history: a juggled blend of Etruscan walls, Roman ruins, and landmarks influenced by fleeting Gothic and Renaissance movements. At the city’s heart, the bizarrely-shaped Piazza Grande sits on a slope — leaving residents and visitors alike enduring a slight workout to dash across the square.
The truth is, when travelers book their Tuscan trips, Arezzo often takes an undeserved back seat. Yet, for those knowledgeable enough to know a good detour when they see one, this city promises stunning sandstone aesthetics and intriguing regional history. This guide contains all the insights into the best things to do in Arezzo.
1. Piazza Grande
Cost: Free
When in doubt, start at the beginning. Piazza Grande has been the center of life in Arezzo since the Middle Ages. Walking this iconic square (or, rather, trapezoid) is easily one of the most important things to do in Arezzo, Italy. The strangely shaped piazza has four sides, none of which are parallel. A mismatched space of community and culture, it is an interesting opportunity to better understand Arezzo and its history.
Ironically, given its name, Piazza Grande would have originally been bigger. However, the renowned architect Giorgio Vasari actually shaved the square down when he designed the Palazzo delle Logge. Over the centuries, new buildings have sprung up — eating away at Piazza Grande’s borders and creating an uneven border of eclectic architectural styles. Stand in the center and soak it all in.
For those interested in additional insights, book a guided tour. A walking experience is the best way to learn about the stories behind the different landmarks and architecture.
2. Step Inside Arezzo Cathedral
Cost: Free (or €5 with optional audio guide)
Any well-versed traveler knows that an Italian city is best understood by its oldest church or cathedral. Arezzo Cathedral strikes a solemn-looking figure on a hilltop in the upper city limits. It was moved within the city walls by order of Pope Innocent III in 1203 and has remained there ever since. Protected and valued across centuries, it is a meaningful symbol within Arezzo’s Catholic community.
Don’t be fooled by the austerity of the plain sandstone facade. Stepping inside the medieval cathedral treats travelers to stunning artwork, with high-vaulted ceilings adorned with frescoes, including a depiction of Mary Magdalene by Piero della Francesca.
Entrance is free, although visitors benefit considerably from purchasing in an audioguide. At just €5, having a self-guided tour is a small yet impactful investment.
3. Medici Fortress
Cost: €8
Does that name ring a bell? The bourgeois Medici family was an ambitious generation of rulers that held power in Florence and parts of wider Tuscany for almost three centuries. Arezzo was no exception, and in 1540, under the rule of Cosimo I de’ Medici, the city’s Medici Fortress was completed. The star-shaped fortress was a vital protective investment against threats from the neighboring Papal State.
For modern-day visitors, the ruins are a poignant reminder of the political instability throughout Northern Italy. As of 2025, entrance costs €8 for full-price adults. Walk the ruins at leisure and enjoy the bonus of sweeping circumferential views of Arezzo and its surrounding hillscapes. The Medici knew what they were doing; this fortress is perched on a beautiful vantage point.
4. Roman Amphitheater
Cost: €6
The Colosseum continues to draw crowds down south in Rome, but Arezzo has its own version. The Anfiteatro Romano has been weathered through time and has long-since slipped into retirement. A few pale arches of crumbling stone sit on grassy parkland, with the original flooring long eroded and worn away. Yet while the amphitheater’s remains demand a little imagination, they remain one of Arezzo’s most impressive landmarks.
Adjoining the ruins is the Gaius Cilnius Maecenas National Archaeological Museum — it’s a mouthful of a name when requesting directions. At a reasonable rate of €6, travelers gain a joint entrance ticket to the museum and amphitheater ruins (which are fenced off from public parklands).
Wandering the ruins is a wistful activity on a sunny day, while the indoor exhibits add a more informative edge. The duo is an insightful way to spend an afternoon, light on the wallet and enlightening for the imagination. It justifies a few hours of sightseeing — even if it means drawing yourself away from the most beautiful Tuscany luxury villas.
5. National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art
Cost: €9
Artwork in Arezzo might not be as renowned as that of Florence. But there’s one spot in the city that cradles precious collections: head to the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art. Housed inside the beautiful 15th-century Bruni Ciocchi palace, its artwork spans from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Wander past elaborate statues, medieval icons, Renaissance frescoes, and elaborate maiolica (pottery) collections.
The museum cleverly directs visitors in chronological order, passing through a series of 20 rooms in total. At an entrance rate of €9 per full-paying adult, the value for money is great. Leave time to admire the inner courtyard afterward; surrounded by yellow vaulted ceilings and dramatic pillared arches, it’s a spectacular piece of architecture.
6. Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici
Cost: €5
On the slopes of Piazza Grande sits the first institution in Arezzo to offer welfare support to those in need. Construction on the ornate stone building began in the 14th century, and completion was finally achieved in the 15th century. Over the following century, distinct architectural features were added, including a bell tower and a rare astronomical clock — both of which visitors can see today. Originally a charitable endeavor, Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici has gradually evolved into a much-loved landmark in Arezzo.
Officially retired from its welfare duties, this attraction is now a museum: the Museum of the Fraternity. The slightly jumbled assortment of artifacts includes archaeological, natural history, and artwork collections. While it is pleasant to look around, the greatest draw is the terrace behind the astronomical clock. Marvel at the intricate mechanisms behind the scenes, and then enjoy expansive views over Piazza Grande. At just €5 for entrance, it’s a bargain for getting bonus information and a beautiful view of Arezzo’s famous square.
7. Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra
Cost: €6
Standing in the Piazza Grande, look at the building opposite the city’s cathedral. The grand-looking building is the Bishop’s Palace, and it’s actually still the seat of the Arezzo bishop today. As of 2011, the palace decided to expand its services, and what better to open than a museum dedicated entirely to “sacred art”?
Walking the corridors of the Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra, admire gold-gilded icons and ornate crucifixes. The religious undertone adds a real novelty element. Given the significance of Catholicism within Italian culture, it’s a meaningful activity for your itinerary — no matter how long you stay in Tuscany.
A slight caveat? Be mindful of its erratic-seeming opening hours. The palace is understandably in demand for its primary role as the bishop’s seat, which might play into the mayhem schedule.
8. Basilica di San Francesco
Cost: €9
From its exterior, Basilica di San Francesco appears unassuming. Yet the plain-looking Catholic church hides a secret within: the Legend of the True Cross by Piero della Francesca. The 13th-century medieval exterior gives way to an interior bursting with frescoes, including one of the most famed Renaissance pieces in the world.
The Legend of the True Cross is admittedly confusing to look at. The cycle of paintings is intended to tell a story yet follows no traceable order; instead, the reader must utilize the symbolic ties between each phase. It’s a beautiful puzzle, starting from the birth of the tree, which eventually became Jesus Christ’s crucifix.
The Basilica di San Francesco is bucket-list territory for any art or religious history enthusiast. A real cultural highlight in Arezzo, it’s well worth a visit. Entrance is €9 for full-paying adults, although those eligible for reduced rates can enter for just €5.
9. Casa Vasari
Cost: €7
Mention “Giorgio Vasari” to any art enthusiast and watch their eyes brighten. Vasari was a revered painter, architect, and writer in the Renaissance movement. Some even coin him as the “father of art history.” His book Lives of the Most Eminent Painters, Sculptors and Architects remains one of the most poignant testaments to past artists — even today.
For those unfamiliar with Vasari, some of his most famed works include designing the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Yet here in Arezzo, it’s possible to visit a museum in his former home: Casa Vasari. For €7, travelers can walk the rooms of the artist’s former residence, admiring his personally painted frescoes and preserved sketches.
Casa Vasari has a human edge that sets it aside from standard “stuffy” gallery experiences. While art enthusiasts and scholars will undoubtedly appreciate this museum, the personal touches do wonders for general accessibility. Arrive prepared to learn about Vasari’s story, not just his artwork.
10. Antique Fair
Cost: Free (unless you find trinkets worth splurging on)
Arezzo’s Antique Fair is a blink-and-you-miss-it affair. Once a month, the city’s piazzas explode into trading action, with pop-up tables sprawled along the boundaries of squares like Piazza Grande. Arezzo has become synonymous with antique trading, attracting esteemed dealers, collectors on a mission, and curious tourists alike. Over 500 vendors forge an eclectic collection of items, from prints to porcelains and even vintage toys. Who knows what you’ll walk away with, and that’s half of the allure.
It’s admittedly luck of the draw depending on your travel dates, but if your trip coincides with the first Sunday of the month or the previous Saturday, prioritize attendance. It’s not just a deserved splash of retail therapy; the Arezzo Antique Fair has run every month since 1968. Founded by the late Ivan Bruschi, it has evolved into quite a legacy. Called the “Fiera Antiquaria” amongst Italians, the fair holds the impressive title of Italy’s largest and oldest antiques fair. Hopefully, you left plenty of room for souvenirs in your hand luggage.