Arezzo, located in the valley in which there is the first part of Arno river, is a wonderful Tuscan city famous for its medieval atmospheres which even today are still vivid. Located about 80 miles in the south of Florence, one of the best tourists attractions of Arezzo are undoubtely the charming walls surrounding it. This small and beautiful city became famous all over the world for having being the set of the Academy Award’s winner movie “La Vita è Bella” (Life is Beautiful) by Roberto Benigni. This city keeps a lot of features of ancient italian towns and it is rich in architectonical treasures such as the Church of Saint Francis and the Church of Saint Mary della Pieve. Visiting Arezzo in the first sundy of the month or in the previous saturday can be a good choice because of the rich Antiques Market held in the historical centre. In the first sunday of September you can assist to the Giostra del Saracino, a very charming medieval game which pemeates the tradition of the city and is one of the best known of the entire Tuscany. Anticipated by an interesting historical parade, the real Giostra, which represents a medieval horse tournament, is settled in the precous location of Piazza Grande.
Piazza Grande is the main square of Arezzo, where the traditional Giostra del Saracino takes place, where medieval knights joust and compete. This feast dates of the 13 century, which make it one of the most ancient folkloric celebrations in Europe. It was once the main marketplace of the city but still is a high pedestrian traffic area. The square is surrounded by palaces, some of which have porches where people can walk, have a drink or lunch, etc. The Piazza is surrounded by many important Arezzo landmarks: Fraternita dei Laici, Vasari Loggia, Episcopal Palace and Palazzo Cofani-Brizzolari. Like all main square in Italia, also Piazza Grande is often crowded.
Pieve di Santa Maria is one of the main Romanesque churches in Toscana. It was built in 1140 over a church dating of before 1000; it was enriched with Gothic elements in the 14th century and restored in the 19th century. Its Romanesque façade of the 13th century has five blind arches and three series of loggias. The bell-tower of 1330 is called campanile delle cento buche ("hundred-hole bell-tower") due to its twin lancet windows. >The apsis borders Piazza Grande. The dark inside of the church is divided into a nave and two aisles. The most ancient part is the presbytery, located over the crypt. The main artistic attraction is the large polyptych on the high altar. It portrays a Madonna with Child and Saints, the Annunciation, the Assumption and twelve Saints and it was made by Pietro Lorenzetti in 1320-24.
If you are looking for a good spot to rest a while and soak up some views, the cathedral backs on to the town park, the Passeggio del Prato, with the ubiquitous ruined Medici fortress at the far end. It is the oldest and most suggestive park of Arezzo, in an area of high archeological interest. The secular trees lie on a vast and natural depression, which some centuries ago used to separate the two hills with the Cathedral and the Fortress. Today, the park extends from Porta Stuffi towards the southern ramparts of the Fortress.
Roberto Benigni was born in Misericordia, a village in the province of Arezzo, on the 27th October 1952, still young, he moved to Vergaio, a village not far from his home in Prato. Benigni is still attached to his beloved Tuscany and it shows by choosing it as the location of most of his masterpieces. The cult film 'Berlinguer I love you' is, in fact, shot entirely in Prato and 'Johnny Stecchino', the story of a mobster who tries in every way to escape the police, is located in this city, too and the city of Prato is represented with the warm colours of traditional Tuscany. Roberto Benigni chose Arezzo for his most famous film 'Life is Beautiful' (1997), which won the David of Donatello and three Oscars. The city described in the film as a fable, the ideal city for the happy and funny Dora, the teacher who males Guido Orefice fall for her. The lively Piazza Grande, Piazza Duomo and the streets and squares of Arezzo dominate the play. Visit Piazza del Duomo, which dominates with its mass Arezzo from the top of the hill, towering over all views of the city, here, where he plays the unforgettable scene when Guido stretches an endless red carpet for his 'princess' from the stairs in the rain for a perfect romantic night. Lose yourself in the narrow streets where Guido happily rides his bicycle, between old buildings, broad piazzas overlooked by churches and its large gardens. Antique shops face on streets and alleys. Antiques is indeed a core activity here (as evidenced by the fair that is staged every first Sunday of the month) to which joins gold processing, packing clothes and shoes. The Bar is the meeting place; located in Piazza San Francesco, a bar called "Le Stanze" is the favourite place to have breakfast or an aperitif. Visiting Arezzo, you'll find places mentally seen in the film, with your particular viewpoint on a city full of charm and beauty.
Spend a relaxing Tuscan holiday when staying at the Relais Villa Belpoggio in Loro Ciufenna, situated in the very heart of the Chianti District. All the delightful guest rooms and apartments have unique, individual features and overlook the superbly landscaped grounds of this charming boutique hotel. Agnese and Linda are the welcoming hosts and will happily reserve tours for local attractions on your behalf. If you always wanted to explore a working vineyard and taste the wonderful wines of Tuscany, or fancy checking out local leisure opportunities in the area, Linda and Agnese will sort out all the details. This beautiful historic villa has many original features dating back to the 17th century, and will be your relaxing home from home throughout your stay in Tuscany. All guests in the Villa enjoy local speciality breakfasts in the cellar breakfast room between the hours of 8.30am and 10.30am, with snacks and light lunch also available from 12.30 daily, on request. Dinner is served in the small garden piazzetta (square) throughout the warmer months of the year and you will enjoy superb, fresh seasonal foods and locally produced wines throughout your stay. The spacious accommodations at Villa Belpoggio provide every possible amenity, and you'll be more than happy to spend your leisure time strolling around the verdant grounds or taking a refreshing dip in the sparkling pool. Reception services are available 24/7 at this outstanding hotel, and if you're celebrating a special event or occasion don't hesitate to let Linda and Agnese have details so they can help you enjoy your day to the full. For more informations: www.villabelpoggio.it
