About Arezzo
Arezzo is the largest town in eastern Tuscany, north of Cortona and east of Siena and just an hour from Firenze, by train or car. Arezzo is known for its medieval architecture and its evocative old quarter. Travelers will enjoy Arezzo’s goldsmiths, jewelers, traditional Tuscan cuisines, wine country and antiques.

Highlights

Piero della Francesca Frescoes

Seeing the Piero della Francesca frescoes, the Legend of the True Cross, is a highlight of a visit to Arezzo. Piero della Francesca was one of the top Renaissance painters and La Leggenda della Vera Croce (Legend of the True Cross) is considered to be his masterpiece and one of the top Renaissance art works in Italy. Arezzo’s San Francesco Church, Basilica San Francesco, houses the famous Piero della Francesca frescoes. You’ll find the 14th century church in the lower part of Arezzo, about halfway between the train station and the cathedral, about a 10 minute ride from Castello Val di Colle.

While the facade is simply made of brick and stone, inside are magnificent frescoes by several artists including Piero della Francesca. The Legend of the True Cross fresco cycle is in the Cappella Maggiore at the front of the church.

Wine Country

“Strada del Vino Terre di Arezzo” which means Arezzo Wine Country Road. In fact, there are three separate loops in the Arezzo area: The Wine Road (Strada del Vino) and the two “Strada dei Sapori,” whose official English name (and literal translation) is “Flavours Road.” It may be easier to think of them as food and culture routes. Using Arezzo as a base, you could spend a day on each, exploring the splendid rolling hills and indulging in tasting of all the local regional Super Tuscans; the most famous wines of the Chianti Region. A guided tour with our partner tour company is available through the hotel manager, or we can simply provide you with a map to explore on our own! Surely an adventure, not to be missed.

Giostra del Saracino (The Saracen Joust of Arezzo)

The joust in Arezzo is an ancient game of chivalry. It dates back to the Middle Ages.
It was born as an exercise for military training. This tournament was regularly held in Arezzo between the 16th century and the end of the 17th century, when memorable jousts in baroque style were organized. The game went on throughout the Modern Age, having an important social function within the urban community. The joust was indeed a great public event during the visit of important authorities (sovereigns, princes, etc.), or it was used to make certain civil feasts more solemn (e.g. carnivals and nobles weddings).
The historical joust takes place every year in Arezzo in June, by night (the so-called San Donato Joust, dedicated to the patron saint of the town) and again in September, in the afternoon (the September Joust). The protagonists of the event are the four quarters of the town of Arezzo:
• Porta Crucifera known as Culcitrone(green and red colors),
• Porta del Foro known as Porta S.Lorentino(yellow and crimson colors),
• Porta Sant’Andrea (white and green colors) and ~ Castello Val di Colle’s Quarter! Root for the white and green!
• Porta del Borgo, today called Porta Santo Spirito (yellow and blue colors).
The Saracen Joust is organized by the Municipality of Arezzo through a special institution whose governing body (the managing council) which is chaired by the Major of Arezzo, but also includes the presidents (“Rettori”) of the four competing quarters.
The jousting day starts in the morning, when the town’s Herald reads the proclamation of the joust challenge, and then continues with a colorful procession of 350 costume characters and 27 horses parading along the streets of Arezzo. The topic moment of the parade is the blessing of the men-at-arms, which takes place on the steps of the Duomo and is given by the Bishop of Arezzo.

Fiera Antiquaria di Arezzo (Arezzo Antiques Fair)

Fiera Antiquaria di Arezzo is the oldest and the largest antiques fair in Italy with over 500 stalls. The fair offers antiques and restored works in the wonderful historic center of the city of Arezzo. The works span the continent and realm of time. Treasures abound amongst the vendors and never do they cease to amaze. A true tradition amongst the locals, as well as Europeans that travel across Europe to hunt for bounty in history’s greatest treasure market.
Arezzo Antiques Fair is held in the first weekend of every month and has an average attendance of 20.000 people each weekend. The exhibitors come from all over Italy and offer a panorama of cultural traditions, costumes and artifacts from Italy’s history.

The main section of the fair is located in Piazza Grande, Piazza San Francesco, and the Logge Vasari which transforms the whole city center into one great market place. Only a 10 minute ride from Castello Val di Colle.

Tuscany Tours

Very Tuscany is a family business and we would like you to feel as part of the family. Through our tours we want to share our knowledge and the passion that ties us to our land, Tuscany, so to make your trip a memorable one. Besides art masterpieces and dream landscapes, we want you to discover the truest Tuscany and the secrets of its traditions. It is in unexplored corners, off-the-beaten track, that you can really embrace a “Very Tuscany” experience. http://www.verytuscany.com/