One of the most important cities during the Etruscan period, then later made rich by its goldsmith traditions, this city, just a short drive southeast from Florence, is something of an insider’s favorite when visiting Tuscany. With fewer crowds, you’ll have more room to breathe while exploring sites like the Church of San Francesco (with its stunning early-Renaissance frescos by Piero dell Francesca), the ruins of the Roman amphitheater, the Medicean Fortress, and the Church of San Domenico, home to a wooden crucifix by Cimabue. Arezzo is also a favorite among treasure seekers, as it’s home to a number of well-stocked antique shops and one of the best antiques fairs in Tuscany. Running since 1968, the latter takes place the weekend of the first Sunday of each month, and features over 500 vendors and up to 30,000 shoppers looking to score a find. Taking place July to September, the Terre d’Arezzo Music Festival also draws big crowds to the piazza with its calendar of classical concerts and opera performances.
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Hidden Gems
One of the most important cities during the Etruscan period, then later made rich by its goldsmith traditions, this city, just a short drive southeast from Florence, is something of an insider’s favorite when visiting Tuscany. With fewer crowds, you’ll have more room to breathe while exploring sites like the Church of San Francesco (with its stunning early-Renaissance frescos by Piero dell Francesca), the ruins of the Roman amphitheater, the Medicean Fortress, and the Church of San Domenico, home to a wooden crucifix by Cimabue. Arezzo is also a favorite among treasure seekers, as it’s home to a number of well-stocked antique shops and one of the best antiques fairs in Tuscany. Running since 1968, the latter takes place the weekend of the first Sunday of each month, and features over 500 vendors and up to 30,000 shoppers looking to score a find. Taking place July to September, the Terre d’Arezzo Music Festival also draws big crowds to the piazza with its calendar of classical concerts and opera performances.
Arezzo Antique Market
It’s worth it to plan a trip to Italy so you’ll be in Arezzo the first Sunday of the month. That’s when the medieval hilltop town hosts Italy’s largest outdoor antique market--with over five hundred vendors spreading out their treasures in the Piazza Grande and surrounding vias. Perfect spot for one-of-a-kind souvenir shopping: vintage linens, cordial glasses, picture frames...a beautifully, entertaining shopping experience.
