Arezzo is one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany with origins dating back to Etruscan and Roman times. Various ruins and fascinating artefacts can be found in the old city, the centro storico, including the Roman Amphitheatre. Much of the centro storico retains its medieval feel while many sections of the impressive 13th century walls still stand, as does part of the imposing Fortezza Medicea (16th c.).
Arezzo is neither too big or too small – so it is the perfect size! With nearly 100, 000 inhabitants, it is lively but also intimate and, unlike the bigger cities, it doesn’t overwhelm. Arezzo proudly maintains long-established Italian traditions such as holding regular medieval festivals and fairs, and weekly markets. There is something exciting to do every week and weekend.
Although of course tourists come to Arezzo, it is generally less crowded than other historic towns and as a result, the hotels and many restaurants here offer better value for money.
There are cinemas, a huge array of shops selling wonderful Italian clothes, jewellery, shoes, local foods, books and antiques, numerous cafés and bars, and of course the famous gelaterie, where you can savour the legendary Italian ice cream.
The local people are very friendly and welcoming, and will be delighted to speak Italian with you – fewer people speak English here than in other cities.
The Arezzo region’s cuisine is as varied as the scenery. It is based mainly on the rich variety of foods found in the Val di Chiana, to the south of the town, including fruit fresh from the orchards, grains, corn and pulses and the prized Chianina beef from which comes the world famous bistecca fiorentina.
Other tasty local specialities to sample during your stay are stuffed roast piglet (or porchetta) and prosciutto ham from Casentino; Abbucciato Aretino, a delicious pecorino cheese very good served with honey or vin santo, the Tuscan fortified wine; and Casentino gnocchi, filled with ricotta and spinach and topped with a porcini mushroom sauce. All can be washed down with a glass of excellent local Chianti dei Colli Aretini.
Arezzo is close to many other historic places of interest in Tuscany and further afield, that are easily accessible by car, train or bus: with Cortona close by, Florence less than an hour away, and Siena, Perugia, Montepulciano and Montalcino within a 90 minute journey, you will be spoiled for choice of places to visit. You can even get to Rome in 70 minutes on the fast train!
I had a wonderful time in Arezzo. My B&B Antiche Mura is cozy and the host lovely, friendly and helpful.
The Bildungsurlaub is intense and you learn a lot in a short time.
Arezzo offers a lot: history, culture, restaurants, cafès and Cultura Italiana Arezzo.
A perfect place to learn italian.
I keep coming back!
