On a recent sunny October afternoon, we arrived in the charming Tuscan town of Arezzo. As we parked beside the still-standing medieval walls that surround the town, I noticed a tall, elegant young woman with long dark hair across the street. I soon realized she was Sandra Giusti, our tour guide. The founder of Arezzo Guide, Sandra’s passion for her hometown and its surrounding villages shone through our email communications, but this was our first face-to-face encounter. I was eager to discover what made Arezzo a beloved destination in Tuscany.
Sandra greeted me with a broad smile and called my name, quickly putting my nerves at ease with her enthusiastic and warm demeanor. After our friendly introductions, we set off on our tour, which she led with genuine excitement and generosity regarding the fascinating aspects of her hometown.
As we passed through an ancient gate in the city wall, we ascended towards the Church of San Domenico, nestled in a quaint piazza of the same name. Inside the church, we admired a large crucifix painted by the renowned 13th-century artist, Cimabue. Fragments of old frescoes adorned the warm beige walls, adding to the church’s historical ambiance.
Our next destination was the Cathedral of Arezzo, a magnificent structure perched at the town’s highest point. Although construction began in the 13th century, it wasn’t completed until the 16th century. The cathedral is visible from many points in the town, and its stunning stained glass windows and frescoed ceiling contribute to the grandeur of its interior.
We spent some time in the Basilica of San Francesco, a late medieval church dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. Sandra guided us into the Bacci Chapel, where we were mesmerized by the wonderfully preserved frescos painted by the acclaimed artist Piero della Francesca. These frescoes narrate the Legend of the True Cross, a story that Sandra passionately and engagingly explained.
Gradually, we made our way to the Piazza Grande, Arezzo’s main square. Sandra pointed out that, despite its name, it might not appear as large at first glance because it is divided by a row of buildings constructed long ago. Beyond these structures lies the continuation of this vast piazza.
The Piazza Grande hosts the Giostra del Saracino twice a year, in June and September. This ancient medieval jousting tournament features knights representing the four districts of the town competing for the Golden Lance, beautifully crafted by woodcarver Francesco Conti.
On the first Sunday of each month, plus the Saturday before, an antique market fills the piazza. The narrow streets surrounding the square are lined with charming antique shops that are delightful to explore.
Notably, film director Roberto Benigni used the piazza as a film set for his 1997 movie “La Vita è Bella” (Life is Beautiful).
Venturing down a narrow pathway leading from the Piazza Grande, Sandra introduced us to Arezzo’s talented woodcarver, Francesco Conti. His quaint workshop could easily be overlooked, but with Sandra as our guide, we discovered a stunning world of intricate wood carvings.
We could have spent hours admiring the detailed carvings in Francesco’s workshop, where he has honed his craft for over 40 years. He shared that he is the designated carver for the yearly jousting festival, which keeps him quite busy alongside numerous other projects.
Below us stood the Palazzo Pretorio, boasting a graceful façade adorned with numerous coats of arms that reflect the governors and captains who have ruled the town since 1434. Today, this historical building houses the town library.
After our enriching tour, hunger struck us. Sandra had previously pointed out some of her favorite spots for gelato, dining, and, in this case, pizza by the slice. We followed her around a corner and down a few shops to a charming little pizzeria. True to her word, the pizza was absolutely delicious.
Sandra describes Arezzo’s historic center as “a captivating tapestry of ancient monuments, beautiful squares, and the stories of knights, artists, and poets.” After this delightful tour, I wholeheartedly agree.
Sandra also offers tours in Florence, and I cannot emphasize enough how much she enhanced our understanding of Arezzo’s rich history and culture. Spending time with such a delightful and engaging guide was one of the highlights of our trip.
For more information about Arezzo Guide tours, you can contact Sandra at:
Sandra Giusti
+39 334 36 71 868
info@arezzoguide.it – sandra.giusti@gmx.com
