Culture and Art in Arezzo: an open-air treasure
Arezzo is a Tuscan city that preserves an artistic and cultural heritage of inestimable value. Walking through its historic center means immersing yourself in centuries of history, among masterpieces of medieval, Renaissance, and contemporary art.
Every street, square, or palace tells stories of artists, patrons, and traditions that have contributed to making Arezzo one of the most fascinating destinations for art lovers. Here you will find museums rich in unique works, galleries celebrating great masters, and iconic places such as the Basilica of San Francesco with the frescoes by Piero della Francesca or the birthplace of Giorgio Vasari.
The itinerary we propose is designed to be experienced on foot, at a relaxed pace, enjoying every detail and allowing yourself to be surprised at every step. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply curious, Arezzo will give you authentic and unforgettable emotions.
Basilica of San Francesco and the frescoes by Piero della Francesca
The Basilica of San Francesco is one of the most famous places in Arezzo and houses one of the absolute masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance: the Legend of the True Cross by Piero della Francesca. This extraordinary cycle of frescoes, created between 1452 and 1466, fascinates with its perfection of perspective, the brightness of the colors, and the symbolic depth of the scenes.
Each episode narrates, with rare harmony, the story of the Cross of Christ. In addition to the frescoes, the basilica preserves precious works such as the painted Cross by the Master of San Francesco, a testimony of medieval art that further enriches this treasure chest of beauty.
Casa Vasari Museum
The Casa Vasari Museum is the residence that Giorgio Vasari, famous painter, architect, and biographer of artists, purchased in 1541 as his personal refuge in his hometown. Here he decorated every room with a rich iconographic program, celebrating the role of the artist through mythological, biblical, and allegorical themes.
The rooms preserve original frescoes, painted coffered ceilings, and a precious collection of 16th-century works, many created by masters who collaborated with Vasari himself. Completing the visit is the evocative hanging garden, a peaceful corner that offers an intimate glimpse into the private life and refined taste of the Aretine artist.
Stay at Cento Passi dal Duomo: the ideal base to discover Arezzo’s art
Located in the heart of the historic center, Cento Passi dal Duomo is the perfect starting point to experience culture in Arezzo. Just a few meters from the Cathedral and the main artistic attractions, this charming B&B allows you to reach museums and galleries comfortably on foot, without the need for a car.
The rooms, each dedicated to historical figures from Arezzo such as Giorgio Vasari or Piero della Francesca, combine elegance, modern comfort, and details lovingly curated. Breakfast included, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and independent access ensure a pleasant and carefree stay.
After a day among Renaissance frescoes, medieval sculptures, and contemporary art exhibitions, returning to the B&B means finding peace and hospitality in a homely yet refined environment. Whether you are in town for a weekend of art or a longer vacation, Cento Passi dal Duomo offers you the ideal location to discover Arezzo in all its facets.
National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art
Housed in the splendid Palazzo Bruni Ciocchi, the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art tells centuries of artistic history in Arezzo. Its rooms preserve works from the 13th to the 19th centuries: gold-ground panels by Margarito d’Arezzo, frescoes by Spinello Aretino and Parri di Spinello, paintings by Pietro Lorenzetti, Luca Signorelli, and Giorgio Vasari.
There are also Baroque and 19th-century masterpieces, as well as refined Macchiaioli paintings. The museum also boasts one of the most important collections of Italian Renaissance majolica and precious medieval sculptures. A must-see place to understand the richness and variety of art produced in Arezzo over the centuries.
National Archaeological Museum Gaio Cilnio Mecenate and Roman Amphitheater
The National Archaeological Museum of Arezzo, dedicated to Maecenas, stands inside the former monastery of San Bernardo, built on the remains of the Roman Amphitheater dating back to the 2nd century AD. Its 26 rooms recount the history of Arezzo from Etruscan origins to the Roman and Late Antique periods.
Among the most precious finds are the famous coral-red vases (Arretine vasa), Etruscan jewelry, decorative terracotta, and a Greek krater attributed to Euphronios. The amphitheater, visible outside, testifies to the city’s importance in antiquity. A place where archaeology and history intertwine, offering visitors a fascinating journey into the past of one of Tuscany’s oldest cities.
Petrarch’s House
In the heart of ancient Arezzo lies the birthplace of Francesco Petrarch, one of the greatest poets in Italian literature. Here visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the 14th century, exploring the rooms where the famous author of the Canzoniere was born.
Today the house is both a museum and the headquarters of the Petrarch Academy of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. Inside are relics, documents, Renaissance works, and a precious library linked to Petrarchism. From the terrace, visitors can enjoy a splendid view of the city, while outside stands the statue dedicated to the poet, symbolizing the indissoluble bond between Arezzo and its illustrious figure.
“I Colori della Giostra” Museum
The “I Colori della Giostra” Museum is a fascinating interactive journey dedicated to the historic Giostra del Saracino, the chivalric tournament that animates Arezzo twice a year. Located on the ground floor of the Town Hall, the museum showcases original costumes, weapons, flags, and trophies linked to the city’s four districts.
Thanks to multimedia technologies, virtual reality, and immersive projections, visitors can relive the unique atmosphere of the event, complete with trumpet fanfares and drum rolls. It is an engaging experience that combines tradition and innovation, perfect for getting to know one of the city’s most beloved and identifying events.
“Palazzo di Fraternita” Museum
Overlooking Piazza Grande, the “Palazzo di Fraternita” Museum tells eight centuries of history of the Fraternita dei Laici, one of the oldest institutions in Arezzo. The building, with its façade that combines Gothic and Renaissance elements, houses a precious artistic heritage: paintings, sculptures, furnishings, and historical documents from the 14th to the 19th centuries.
Among the highlights are frescoes by Spinello Aretino, 15th-century sculptures, and the famous lunar phase clock by Felice da Fossato. Visiting this museum means entering the heart of Arezzo’s social and cultural life, in one of the city’s most representative places.
Municipal Gallery of Contemporary Art
The Municipal Gallery of Contemporary Art of Arezzo is a space dedicated to 20th-century creativity and the most recent artistic expressions. Founded in 1962, it hosts a permanent collection of works by Italian artists, with particular attention to Tuscan masters, alongside temporary exhibitions of national and international relevance.
Paintings, sculptures, and installations tell the story of modern and contemporary art trends, offering a lively dialogue between past and present. Located near the Basilica of San Francesco, the Gallery is the ideal place for those wishing to complete their artistic itinerary in Arezzo with more contemporary visual experiences.
Experience Arezzo’s art with an unforgettable stay
After exploring museums, galleries, and symbolic places of Arezzo’s art, the best way to end the day is to return to the comfort of Cento Passi dal Duomo. This elegant B&B, located in the heart of the historic center, offers cozy rooms, carefully decorated, and inspired by great figures of local culture.
Its strategic location allows you to visit all attractions on foot, experiencing the city with peace of mind. Breakfast included, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and warm hospitality make the stay a unique experience. Booking here means experiencing Arezzo not only as a tourist, but as part of its authentic atmosphere.