Arezzo in a Day: What to See
Arezzo is not Florence, and it is not Siena. It is a city unlike either: a genuinely medieval center, little restored for tourists, with an everyday life still very much present. You can visit it comfortably in a full day from Florence.
Here is what is worth seeing, without filters.
Arezzo in a day: what to see
Arezzo is a one-day visit. The historic center is compact and entirely walkable. The main sights are within 20 minutes’ walk of each other.
The logical route goes: Arezzo station, escalators up to the center, Piazza Grande, Basilica di San Francesco (with the frescoes), Cathedral, Parco del Prato, lunch, Museo Nazionale d’Arte Medievale e Moderna (optional), return journey.
With children the pace is slower. Do not try to pack in too much. Two or three things done well beats six things in a rush.
Piazza Grande and its stories
Piazza Grande is Arezzo’s main square. It is sloped: the side facing Vasari’s loggia is lower than the opposite side. This makes it unlike any other Italian piazza.
The Vasari loggia (Giorgio Vasari was from Arezzo, the biographer of Renaissance artists) runs along the long side. Underneath are bars and shops. It is one of the finest places to drink a coffee in Tuscany.
On the opposite side stands the Pieve di Santa Maria, a 12th-century Romanesque church with an elevated facade of open arcades. Above it rises the Torre dei Quaranta Campane, one of the finest medieval towers in Tuscany.
On the first weekend of every month (Saturday and Sunday) an antique market is held here. With children it is one of the most interesting markets in Italy: there are objects of every kind, from cheap finds to rare pieces. For children aged 6-7 and over, hunting for old coins or strange objects is an entertaining game.
The civic museum with the Piero della Francesca frescoes
The Basilica di San Francesco, in Piazza San Francesco, contains Piero della Francesca’s frescoes depicting the “Legend of the True Cross” (1452-1466).
This is one of the most important fresco cycles of the Italian Renaissance. The scenes are spread across three walls and tell the story of the wood of Christ’s cross, from the death of Adam to the battle of Heraclius.
To appreciate the frescoes fully you need a few things: good light (not always guaranteed), an explanation of the narrative cycle, and the patience to stand and look in silence for a few minutes.
For children: from age 10 upwards, with some preparation before going in, the visit can be engaging. You can describe the story as a multi-episode medieval comic strip. Piero della Francesca’s muted colors are unmistakable.
Tickets: admission to the frescoes is timed (maximum 25 people every 30 minutes). Advance booking is essential, especially in high season. Book on the official Arezzo City Council website or the dedicated frescoes page. Price about 10-12 euros per adult.
The medieval historic center
Beyond Piazza Grande and the Basilica di San Francesco, Arezzo’s historic center has many interesting corners.
The Cathedral of Arezzo: at the top of the hill, with a Gothic facade and a Romanesque apse. Inside is the funeral monument of Bishop Guido Tarlati by Agostino di Giovanni. The 14th-century medieval stained glass windows are among the finest in Tuscany. Free entry.
Parco del Prato: immediately behind the cathedral, it is a park with an old Medici fortress. It has wide lawns and a playground for children. Free entry. It is the best spot for a picnic or for letting children burn off some energy.
Museo Nazionale d’Arte Medievale e Moderna: holds Aretine and Tuscan works of art from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. For families with children it is optional: it depends on interest and how much energy is left.
Via dei Pileati and surroundings: the streets of the medieval center above Piazza Grande have historic palaces and artisan workshops. Wandering without a plan is one of the pleasures of Arezzo.
Where to have lunch in Arezzo
Arezzo has a good range of restaurants in the historic center. Prices are lower than in Florence.
Trattoria Il Saraceno (Via Mazzini 6): classic Aretine cooking. Pici all’aglione (hand-rolled pasta with garlic sauce), tagliatelle with ragu, grilled meat. Simple setting, honest prices (about 20-25 euros per person).
Osteria dell’Agania (Via Mazzini 10): a historic trattoria with a set menu at modest prices. Ideal for those who want to eat well without spending much.
Trattoria da Guido (Via Madonna del Prato): a small neighborhood trattoria, frequented by locals. Not always easy to find: ask for directions.
The covered market (Piazza Sant’Agostino): has delis and food stalls selling cured meats, cheeses, and local produce. A good option for a picnic in the Parco del Prato.
Where to stay
If you are visiting Arezzo as a day trip from Florence, Charlotte is the ideal base in the historic center of Florence.
From Florence, Arezzo is less than an hour away by train. Leave in the morning, explore the city, have lunch, and be back in Florence by the afternoon.
Find out more about Charlotte and plan your stay in Florence.
