Things to do near Country of Arezzo Italy – what to see attractions and activities

Castiglion Fiorentino - Museums

Uno scrigno prezioso: il Sistema Museale di Castiglion Fiorentino

Arezzo - Churches and places of worship

Basilica di San Francesco

The Gothic basilica of Arezzo is rich in frescoes of 14th century Tuscan painting. Inside you can admire one of the greatest masterpieces of the Renaissance, the "Legend of the True Cross" by Piero della Francesca, the extraordinary cycle painted by the artist between 1453 and 1459 c.a. in the Bacci chapel.

Sansepolcro - Castles, palaces and mansions

Torre di Berta

The Tower of Berta is located in the homonymous square in Sansepolcro. It was built around the 12th century, at the behest of some families in the area. This building is the only one left among the existing ones, since in 1868 they were destroyed and the square was built. It is currently in excellent condition and easily visited by tourists.

Poppi - Museums

Museo Forestale "Carlo Siemoni"

The “C. Siemoni” Forest Museum was founded in 1982 and only in 1992 it was moved to its current headquarters. It was born in honor of Carl Siemoni, one of the greatest administrators of the forests of Casentino. The museum is one of the most important at national level since it is possible to see sections of logs, wood affected by insects, framed specimens and many wood samples of forest species. However, there are also rocks and plastics here.

Castelfranco di Sopra - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Arnolfo di Cambio

The Torre Arnolfo di Cambio is a symbol of the city of Castelfranco, and was part of a beautiful castle built by Arnolfo di Cambio from which it also took its name. Currently the only part remained intact is the tower, which over the years was restored several times. In 1500, a clock and a bell was added to the structure on the top, from which you can enjoy a beautiful view.

Cortona - Archaeological Sites

Necropoli Etrusca del Sodo

The Etruscan Necropolis of Sodo was discovered in 1909 and consists of a single tomb, consisting of an access corridor, two central rooms and a vestibule. This tomb, dating back to the 4th century BC, is thought to belong to Arnt Mefanates, since it is mentioned in the inscription placed on the lintel of the door. The materials found are kept in the Museum of the Etruscan Academy of the city of Cortona.

Castiglion Fiorentino - Castles, palaces and mansions

Logge del Vasari

The Vasari Loggias were built in 1513 and are located in the Piazza del Municipio of Castiglion Fiorentino. They were retouched by Vasari and represent the most significant and best successful work of the architect from Arezzo. The Portico is bright and underneath the entrances of the ancient shops open.

Poppi - Hermitages

Eremo di Camaldoli

The Hermitage of Camaldoli dates back to the 11th century and is located at 1,111 meters above sea level in the forest of the Casentino Forest Park. It is surrounded by a wide wall where inside we find the cells of the hermits monks and the church. Of particular importance is the cell of San Romualdo and the ancient library composed of numerous volumes.

Castiglion Fiorentino - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Montecchio Vesponi

The Castle of Montecchio Vesponi was built around the 9th century and was part of the fief of the Marchiones. The fortress is located on the summit of the hill overlooking the Val di Chiana. The structure consists of powerful walls interspersed with eight towers and an agile main tower of about thirty meters. The walls have signs of the houses used by the peasants and inside the keep is a private residence.

Cortona - Walls, towers and gates

Torre del Palazzone

The Tower of the Palazzone in Cortona was built according to the style of the sixteenth century. The building was designed by the architect Giovan Battista Caporali at the will of Cardinal Silvio Passerini. In 1968 it was donated to the Scuola Superiore di Pisa, which currently uses it for several university training courses.

Cortona - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza del Girifalco o Medicea

The Girifalco Fortress is one of the oldest fortresses in the resort, in fact, it is assumed to be used already at the time of the Lombards and Goths. With certainty, however, we have written testimonies starting from 1258. What we see today is not its initial form because over the years it has undergone various changes and restructuring.

Castiglion Fiorentino - Museums

Pinacoteca Comunale

The Municipal Art Gallery is located in the former sacristy of the Church of Sant'Anna di Castiglion Fiorentino. Several goldsmiths are collected inside it, such as the thirteenth-century Holy Cross of French manufacture and the canvas of “St. Michael the Archangel” by Bartolomeo della Gatta.

Montevarchi - Museums

Museo Paleontologico dell'Accademia Valdarnese del Poggio

The Paleontological Museum is part of the Valdarnese Academy of Poggio. The original collection was established in 1809, thanks to the donation of the first collection, by the Monaco of Vallombrosa, Luigi Molinari. The materials are set up in the nineteenth century, with forty windows exhibited in three galleries. The Museum houses 1600 exhibits. Among them we find vegetable fossils and an interesting collection of animal fossils, between the age of the Upper Pliocene and the Lower Pleistocene.

Poppi - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello dei Conti Guidi

The Castle of the Counts Guidi in Poppi was built between the 9th and 10th century and was the seat of the feudal family of the Counts Guidi who lived in the manor for almost four hundred years. The current architecture dates back to 1274, when Count Simone di Battifolle had come to power. The main access to the castle, after the last restoration of 1470, was through the Lion Gate. The history of the castle is embellished by the stay that Dante Alighieri made between 1307 and 1311 in the wonderful rooms of this fortress in central Italy, here Dante composed the XXXIII song of Inferno.

Arezzo - Streets and Squares

Piazza Grande

Piazza Grande, also known as Piazza Vasari, was built in the XVI, designed by Giorgio Vasari. Known for its trapezoidal plan and a romantic setting, thanks to the Baroque style of the surrounding buildings. On the square we can find two structures of interest: the Giostra del Saracino and the Antiques Fair. Today the Square is populated for various events and exhibitions of works of art.

Arezzo - Monuments

Monumento a Francesco Petrarca

On 25 November 1928, the great monument to Francesco Petrarca was inaugurated. This monument was built to honor the sixth centenary since the birth of the great poet.

Arezzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Pretorio

The Palazzo Pretorio is an ancient building built between the XIII-XIV century. Over the years it has undergone several renovations as it was also used as a prison (17th-20th century), later it became a Medieval Museum and a Picture Gallery (after serious restorations). Today the building is home to the Library of Arezzo, rich in private and public bookstores.

Anghiari - Churches and places of worship

Abside di Chiesa S. Agostino

The apse of the Church of Sant'Agostino is of fifteenth-century origins. It is a tower apse structure, which was restored in 1748. The apse is an element that strongly characterizes the church.

Anghiari - Walls, towers and gates

Il Campano (Torre Civica)

The Campania dates back to the 13th century. In the '500 it was demolished by Vitellozzo Vitelli, and then it was restored and the clock was also added on the occasion. In the facade there are Gothic scriptures, testimony that the Campania is part of the Castle of Montauto.

Anghiari - Walls, towers and gates

Mura del Borgo

The current walls of Anghiari were built at the end of the twelfth century, along with the two other gates of the city. This is the defensive structure of the castrum, which occurred after the destruction of the previous ones by the Arezzo and Florentines. Over the years, the walls underwent several changes to reinforce them, up to their present appearance. Currently, the entire city walls are in a good state of preservation and has remained intact since the twelfth century.

Arezzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo del Comune

The Palazzo Comunale was built in 1333 and is located in the city of Arezzo. The architecture of the building is of fourteenth-century origin. Over time, the palace was restored several times. There are portraits, busts, the stone statue of the Madonna and Child and the Wedding Room with a stone fireplace. Today the palace is home to the Town Hall.

Arezzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo delle Logge del Vasari

The Palazzo delle Logge del Vasari is located in Arezzo. In 1573 the building was designed by Vasari on the requests of the municipality and in 1595 the construction of the building was completed. The architecture of the palace is considered the most beautiful that has ever been realized. Today the palace is among the most visited in the city.

Arezzo - Monuments

Monumento a Guido Monaco

Guido Monaco, to whom this statue is dedicated, was a great theorist of Italian music, originally from Arezzo. In 1864, to honor his figure, the Council of Arezzo ordered the construction of the monument. The statue was completed in 1882 when the city of Arezzo was celebrating the centenary of the birth of Guido Monaco.

Arezzo - Museums

Casa Vasari

This palace was purchased in 1540 by the painter, architect and art historian Giorgio Vasari. Even though the artist was busy with his travels throughout Italy, he did not give up taking part in the construction. The palace, after the painter's death, passed into the hands of several families until in 1911, the State decided to buy it and make it a museum open to the public.

Arezzo - Walls, towers and gates

Porta San Lorentino

Porta di San Lorentino is of sixteenth-century origins. Despite the restorations it has undergone over the years, it still retains the original structure. It was named so because of its proximity to the church of the same name. It was a very important place for the social and commercial development of the area.

Arezzo - Museums

Casa Museo Ivan Bruschi

The museum is located inside the medieval palace of the Capitano del Popolo, precisely in front of the Parish Church of Santa Maria, the ancient house of Bruschi. The building dates back to the 13th century; in the fourteenth century it was owned by the Camaiani family; later, in the fifteenth century it was owned by the city government.

Arezzo - Walls, towers and gates

Porta San Clemente

The Porta San Clemente is located at the north entrance of the Medici wall circle in Arezzo: the same was destroyed in the mid-sixteenth century. In 1833 the Gate was renovated and designed by Lorenzo Balocchi.

Arezzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici

The Fraternity of Santa Maria dei Laity is a building where a charity association founded in 1262 by a group of Arezzo directed by the friars of the Dominican Order, still active today for the activity welfare of the population. The construction of the structure began at the end of the 14th century, but the works ended only in the 16th century. In 1552 Felice da Fossato realized the famous work of the Clock, which indicates the hours, days, moon phases and the motion of the sun.

Sestino - Parks and nature reserves

Parco sasso Simone e Simoncello

This park covers an area of 4847 hectares and is part of the provinces of Pesaro, Urbino and Rimini; it is located about 40 km from the coast. The park is mainly characterized by some reliefs such as Sassi Simone and Simoncello, Monte Palazzolo, Monte Canale and Monte Carpegna.

Arezzo - Museums

Museo Archeologico Statale Gaio Cilnio Mecenate

It is the most important archaeological museum in Arezzo. It spreads over two floors. On the ground floor there is a topographic presentation, on the second floor a thematic exhibition with objects of palaeontology, prehistory and numismatics.

Arezzo - Theaters

Teatro Petrarca

It 's the most important theater of Arezzo. Its construction, in 1828, was due to a stock company composed of citizens of Arezzo. It was considered a place of prestige for several major theater companies.

Arezzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza Medicea

On the hill of San Donato (Avenue B. Buozzi ), it's an important example of defensive military architecture of the sixteenth century. The ramparts of the Fort are a strategic viewpoint over the city, the Arno Valley.

Arezzo - Archaeological Sites

Anfiteatro Romano

Built between first and second century A.D., it has the classic elliptical shape. At present you can see, even if only partially, the audience and the remains of the ambulacra.

Arezzo - Churches and places of worship

Cattedrale di San Donato

The Cathedral of Arezzo: Gothic church containing the tomb of Pope Gregory X, dating back to XIV century, the 'Cenotaph Tarlati', the fresco of Mary Magdalene by Piero della Francesca and the glass windows of Marcillat.

Sansepolcro - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza Medicea

The fortress of Sansepolcro, designed in the sixteenth century, is situated in the eastern part of the walls still standing. The project is due to Giuliano da Sangallo.

Pergine Valdarno - Adventure Parks

Crazy Quad Toscana

Loro Ciuffenna - Churches and places of worship

Pieve di San Pietro

Sansepolcro - Castles, palaces and mansions

Casa di Piero della Francesca

The house where the artist was born is a beautiful fifteenth-century palace. The architectural layout features Michelozzi modules into the portal and in the windows.

Bibbiena - Churches and places of worship

Oratorio di San Francesco

The facade is inspired by a rigorous neoclassical style and shows a templar front marked by four semi-columns on a high base and rectangular niches and semicircular windows on the sides of the entrance. The interior consists of a single nave beautifully decorated in stucco and frescoes by Giuseppe Parenti.

Castiglion Fiorentino - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Comunale

The Palazzo Comunale di Castiglion Fiorentino was built during the fourteenth century by the Perugini and was later renovated in 1489, the period when the General Council Hall was built. During the 16th century, the balustrade of the staircase was made of stone. The current appearance of the building dates back to a renovation that took place in 1935.

Cortona - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Pierle

Pierle Castle dates back to the feudal period. The construction is placed on a rocky spur and has an irregular shape. Three square towers are also part of the structure. Unfortunately, due to the bombings of World War II, it has been heavily damaged and today only parts of it remain. In fact, it can be visited only from the outside.

Cortona - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Sorbello

The Castle of Sorbello was built around 1000 and by fortification, in the seventeenth century, it was transformed into a stately residence. It has a trapezoidal base, with garitte at the top and the tower with Ghibelline battlements. This is among the largest ancient buildings in the area. Nowadays it is in good condition and is open to the public.

Lucignano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza Medicea

The Medici Fortress was built on a hill for defensive purposes. Its structure includes two ramparts, different from each other, and a curtain. The project was much bigger and more impressive but it was never finished. Today only the ruins remain, even these are preserved rather badly.

Lucignano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Cassero e Torre Senese

Cassero and Torre Sienese is an ancient building, dating back to the Middle Ages, around the middle of 1300. The structure was designed by Bartolo Bartoli, who made it an addition to the city defenses, also incorporating the tower that rises high and imposing. Both have a square plan. Currently, the property is privately owned and is undergoing renovation, but tourists can still admire it from outside.

Lucignano - Walls, towers and gates

Porta San Giusto

The Gate of San Giusto takes its name from the church dedicated to San Giusto, in fact, which is located nearby. Today he is in a state of degradation.

Lucignano - Walls, towers and gates

Porta San Giovanni

The Porta San Giovanni is located in the municipality of Lucignano. Currently, it is in very poor storage conditions. For this reason, a restoration project is underway. The project is carried out by the architect Alessio Bartolozzi of the Urban Planning Office of the Municipality of Lucignano.

Montevarchi - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Longobarda Diroccato

The tower of Lombard origin was built on the hills of Montevarchi, for reasons of defense. It enjoyed a strategic position, from which he controlled the entire surrounding area.

Poppi - Monumental Trees

Faggio di San Francesco

The Beech of San Francesco is located on the paths of the Valle Santa di Rivodutri at 1090 meters above sea level. The majestic tree takes its name from the well-known saint of Assisi who, along the lonely path, came across a thunderstorm to protect himself, placed under the beech tree, these folded its branches forming a protective dome.

Poppi - Churches and places of worship

Monastero di Camaldoli

The Monastery of Camaldoli represents a complex built during the sixteenth century that rises on the banks of one of the branches of the Archiano River. The works were completed in 1611 and included an ancient hospice or guest house, a church and a monastery. In front of the entrance to the main building is a monumental fountain built by Ambrogio Traversari in reference to the richness and quality of the renowned waters of Camaldoli.

Anghiari - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Montauto

The castle was built in the twelfth century and for many years it was owned by the noble family of the Barbolani. The building stands in a very favorable defensive position, and was one of the most powerful of the period. From the height of the castle you can enjoy a very special and suggestive view. Today it continues to be the private property of the Barbolani, as a result it cannot be visited inside.

Arezzo - Monuments

Bastioni di Santo Spirito

The current arrangement of the Bastion dates back to 1800, when the entire central part of the door was knocked down to expand access to the San Bernardo district and was replaced with a barrier. From the current Bastions the axis of Corso Italia branches in the direction of the historic center, which serves as a link between the lower part and the top of the hill. It is also flanked by buildings of considerable prestige and architectural value.

Arezzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Bruni Ciocchi

It is a Renaissance building, known as Palazzo della Dogana for its' functions' in the 19th century. The property initially belonged to the Bruni family, to, then, switch to the Ciocchi family and, later, to the Barbolani. It underwent numerous renovations and, immediately after World War II, it hosted the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art.

Arezzo - Monuments

Casa del Petrarca

Francesco Petrarca, an opera poet of literature, is also known as the founder of the Italian language. His birthplace is located in Borgo dell'Orto. After a first period when the building was private, it became the seat of the Arezzo Police Station. Currently the structure is known as the Petrarch Academy of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Inside, in addition to the rich library, we can also admire a particular collection of coins from various eras.

Arezzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo della Provincia

The construction of the Palazzo della Provincia of the city of Arezzo dates back to 24 February 1913. It was built on a project by engineer Giuseppe Paoli. The inauguration of the building took place on 27 September 1925 with the conclusion of the wall works. Several companies contributed to the realization of the decorative works such as: sandstone works, wrought irons, wood works, living room furnishings and those of stained glass windows.

Arezzo - Walls, towers and gates

Porta Trento e Trieste

The Porta Trento of Trieste, is the most recent in the city of Arezzo and was opened in 1816. Initially it was called Porta Ferdinanda or Porta Nuova and took its current denomination after World War I. It was erected with sober and elegant forms, designed by Neri Zocchi, near the bulwark of San Giusto. The door today is in excellent condition and easily accessible.

Arezzo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Battifolle

The castle of Battifolle rises on a hill above the small village of the same name, a few meters from the exit of Arezzo. The present appearance of the castle still has the shape of an irregular square, the same as it had since 1381. The lower part of the outer wall curtain is equipped with a strong footprint. Instead, the main entrance is strengthened by a massive square rivet, known as 'bumper'.

Cavriglia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Montedomenichi ruderi

The Montedomenichi Castle was built on an existing structure that dates back to Roman times. It is assumed to have taken its name from the Domeniche family. We don't know when it was built, but already in the fourteenth century it resulted in written documents. It was several times the scene of wars and clashes, so much so that in 1483 it was destroyed by the Florentines. Today, only small parts of its massive structure are present.

Chitignano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Chitignano

The castle belongs to the Ubertini family of Chitignano, and has always been their property. The construction is very large and well organized, and over the centuries it has become even more majestic. To enter we must pass on a narrow path that leads us to what was the square of arms. Inside there are different works and paintings from different eras. It still belongs to private individuals, but you can very well visit on request.

Anghiari - Walls, towers and gates

Porta Sant Angelo

Porta S. Angelo was built in the 13th century. It was part of the 'double door' system, a defensive strategy to prevent access to the city. Since, until the '300, it was the direct point of entry to Anghiari, it was supervised very carefully. Today it is in good condition.

Arezzo - Museums

Museo di Arte Medievale e Moderna

The museum is located inside Palazzo Bruni — Ciocchi, built for the Bruni family and became, over time, the property of the Ciocchi family. We can see paintings, glass objects, tombstones, reliefs and medieval and Renaissance sculptures. The State Museum of Medieval and Modern Art is on three floors.

Anghiari - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Sorci

The Castle was built between the 13th and 16th centuries by two noble families, the Tarlati and the Baldaccio. It was demolished several times and, then, restructured because of the wars of the time. Today the building works as a accommodation facility with the same name, and is open to the public.

Anghiari - Castles, palaces and mansions

Bastione del Vicario

The “Vicar's Bastion” was built in the period between 1181 and 1204. It takes this name as the main entrance of the structure is located in the Vicar's Palace. The structure has undergone various renovations over the years. The Bastion is a fence of walls, whose construction was completed in 1572. In the Bastion there are important archaeological works.

Anghiari - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Marzocco

The Palace was built in the '500, commissioned by the Angelieri. It took the name 'Marzocco' from the stone statue of a lion that, over the years, was destroyed during the war. Anyway, today a terracotta depicting the same statue is still visible. Over the years the building underwent several restorations and today houses the 'Museum of the Battle'.

Arezzo - Museums

La casa Museo di Ivan Bruschi

In the House Museum of Ivan Bruschi it is offered the opportunity to observe an extraordinary collection of archaeological finds, medieval and modern sculptures and ceramics, jewels, coins, pictorial works, porcelain, furniture, glass, textiles and costumes, weapons and books. It was in fact Ivan Bruschi, a passionate collector and traveler, who launched the idea of the Antiques Fair, which since 1968 has been a moment and a place that makes the city a point of reference in the world of antiques.

Poppi - Museums

Museo Ornitologico

The Ornithological Museum exposes to the public a large collection of specimens of flora and fauna of the territory, dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. The property is located in the Camaldoli Forest National Park. Of great interest is the precious Biggeri collection, kept inside it. In addition, the exhibition is enriched by illustrative and educational panels.

Loro Ciuffenna - Museums

Museo "Venturino Venturi"

This Museum was founded in honor of the artist Venturino Venturi. Inside, we can admire all his sculptor and pictorial works. The museum offers many services, including guided tours, bookshops and facilities that facilitate the disabled. With this institute we want to give more importance and remember a great artist from this area.

Lucignano - Museums

Museo Comunale

The Municipal Museum is located on the ground floor of the thirteenth-century Palazzo Comunale di Lucignano. Inside it, it houses various sacred materials from different churches in the territory and from the Hospital of Sant'Anna. The most valuable work is represented by the Golden Tree, a rare and wonderful reliquary, about 2 meters high that was located inside the church of San Francesco.

Montevarchi - Museums

Museo "Ernesto Galeffi"

The museum, dedicated to Ernesto Galeffi, was inaugurated in 2001. It houses a large collection of works of modern art, the work of the artist himself. Sculptures, paintings and drawings are exhibited that make up a collection of great cultural and artistic importance. The museum is available for all interested parties.