Arezzo

Arezzo, province of Tuscany, is situated at the borders of a basin where the Casentino, Valdarno superiore and Val di Chiana Valleys converge. The local economy is mainly based on the industrial sector and on cultural tourism. Also important are craftsmanship activities and the manufacturing of gems. Arezzo has Etruscan origins. Soon it was forced to ally itself with Rome after a long influence; afterwards, the area became an Episcopal seat and the city knew an important urban development. Arezzo became a free commune in 1098 and it fought against Siena and Florence. In the 14th century, under the rule of Bishop Tarlati, Arezzo enjoyed a period of splendour and wealth. Among the most important architectural and cultural attractions there are the superb Piazza Grande, the magnificent Basilica of San Francesco, the characteristic Church of Santissima Annunziata and the extraordinary Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici (Palace of the Lay Fraternity). Not to be missed are also the beautiful Fortezza Medicea (Medici Fortress), the magnificent Logge del Vasari (Vasari Loggia), the wonderful Casa di Petrarca (Petrarch's House) and the superb Roman amphitheatre. The town is a favourite cultural destination due to the presence of many museums such as Museo Archeologico Gaio Cilnio Mecenate (Gaio Cilnio Mecenate Archeological Museum), the Museo Civico d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (Municipal Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art), the Museo Diocesano (Diocesan Museum) and the Museo Statale d'Arte Medievale e Moderna (National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art). Tourists can choose among a wide selection of accommodation facilities such as guest houses, hotels and bed & breakfasts. Among the most important folkloristic and cultural events there are the Fiera del Mestolo, a famous handicrafts fair, Arezzo Wave, a musical festival and the Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracens), a medieval festival.