Arezzo is a Tuscany holiday attraction which is slightly off the main Tuscan tourist route and all the better for it.
In its modern day incarnation Arezzo thrives as a centre for Italian gold jewellery and antiques, as well as being the regions capital. These assets bring considerable wealth and sophistication to Arezzo and the surrounding area.
For art lovers the Legend of the True Cross fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca in the Bacci chapel of the Basilica di San Francesco ranks as one the principal artistic attractions of the region. For many the first glimpse of this masterpiece was in the film The English Patient staring Ralph Fiennes and in its day it prompted a rush of those who wanted to see the real thing. For Bacci chapel visitors information see the website apt.arezzo.it, it’s probably best to plan to visit the towns medieval centre whilst awaiting your turn to visit.
If antiques is your thing then there are lots of interesting shops to see throughout the week but the big draw is the huge antique fair which is held on the first weekend of every month. In June and September there is a jousting contest between the towns districts which can also be entertaining.
The countryside around Arezzo is very beautiful, sparsely populated, mainly wooded high hills dominate beautiful valleys, small ancient stone villages, often with medieval origins and stone farm buildings are dotted around randomly. Here you can find serenity and an authentic Tuscany, particularly in the old castles and Roman chapels of the Casentino valley and Florence lies only an hour away by train.
Many of the owners of our holiday villas in Arezzo area are involved in the antique and gold business and they have put their wealth into converting beautiful, traditional houses so that you can go to Tuscany now and enjoy real home from home comfort.