When you're planning the perfect getaway to the Mediterranean,
and you'd like to enjoy being close to both the major cities and the
beautiful countryside, you can't beat Italy - and specifically Tuscany.
Holidays to this stunning region are ideal for relaxing, soaking up the
art and culture and simply getting away from life for a while.
One of the best places to enjoy the above-mentioned features is Arezzo, in Tuscany. Holidays that include this smallish city on the itinerary will put you in one of the lesser-visited parts of the region. You'll enjoy a break far from the madding crowds yet still with access to some excellent historical sites, and easy transport to the region's most famous city, Florence. While in Arezzo, you should to explore the city itself before you venture further. Be sure to visit the main piazza and the many churches.
The Piazza Grande
Located in the very heart of the old town this beautiful medieval square is one of the most lovely in Tuscany. Holidays to the region will take you to many such spaces in local towns and cities but this one has something a little special. Behind the Romanesque apse, the square opens up with designs made from redbrick and limestone. The square is home to the main market of the city and you can also spend hours exploring the sites of interest around it.
First stop is the Palace of Lady Fraternity, which is a 14th century palace with a second floor designed by Bernado Rossellino and a Gothic ground floor. You can then head to the Episcopal Palace, which is the seat of the bishops and has several noteworthy frescoes inside. Nearby there are also the ruins of the Communal Palace and the Palazzo del Popolo.
The churches of Arezzo
There's certainly no dearth of churches to see when you're visiting Tuscany; holidays to Arezzo are no exception to the rule! The city is filled with churches, however there are a few you that really shouldn't be missed. Take time to wander around the Santa Maria della Pieve, which is close to the Arezzo Cathedral and has a documented history dating back to as early as 1008 A.D. It was a main stronghold when the city underwent a militant struggle with the bishops. When you first see Santa Maria della Pieve, the first thing you'll notice is the striking Gothic façade; there are three loggias, each section with more and more pillars as the levels go up. The bell tower has five rows of mullioned windows and commands excellent views over the area.
The Cathedral of Saint Donatus was built between the 13th-16th centuries, but the façade remained unfinished until the 20th century. Be sure to take note of the cathedral's medieval stained glass, which is nothing short of spectacular. If you're interested in seeing the oldest church in the city, San Lorenzo was built prior to 1000 A.D. - likely as far back as the early Christian period. It was rebuilt a couple of times, most recently in 1705.
One of the best places to enjoy the above-mentioned features is Arezzo, in Tuscany. Holidays that include this smallish city on the itinerary will put you in one of the lesser-visited parts of the region. You'll enjoy a break far from the madding crowds yet still with access to some excellent historical sites, and easy transport to the region's most famous city, Florence. While in Arezzo, you should to explore the city itself before you venture further. Be sure to visit the main piazza and the many churches.
The Piazza Grande
Located in the very heart of the old town this beautiful medieval square is one of the most lovely in Tuscany. Holidays to the region will take you to many such spaces in local towns and cities but this one has something a little special. Behind the Romanesque apse, the square opens up with designs made from redbrick and limestone. The square is home to the main market of the city and you can also spend hours exploring the sites of interest around it.
First stop is the Palace of Lady Fraternity, which is a 14th century palace with a second floor designed by Bernado Rossellino and a Gothic ground floor. You can then head to the Episcopal Palace, which is the seat of the bishops and has several noteworthy frescoes inside. Nearby there are also the ruins of the Communal Palace and the Palazzo del Popolo.
The churches of Arezzo
There's certainly no dearth of churches to see when you're visiting Tuscany; holidays to Arezzo are no exception to the rule! The city is filled with churches, however there are a few you that really shouldn't be missed. Take time to wander around the Santa Maria della Pieve, which is close to the Arezzo Cathedral and has a documented history dating back to as early as 1008 A.D. It was a main stronghold when the city underwent a militant struggle with the bishops. When you first see Santa Maria della Pieve, the first thing you'll notice is the striking Gothic façade; there are three loggias, each section with more and more pillars as the levels go up. The bell tower has five rows of mullioned windows and commands excellent views over the area.
The Cathedral of Saint Donatus was built between the 13th-16th centuries, but the façade remained unfinished until the 20th century. Be sure to take note of the cathedral's medieval stained glass, which is nothing short of spectacular. If you're interested in seeing the oldest church in the city, San Lorenzo was built prior to 1000 A.D. - likely as far back as the early Christian period. It was rebuilt a couple of times, most recently in 1705.
Carolyn Spinks is COO of ABTOI - The Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy. If you're looking for the perfect Tuscany holidays
the LoveItaly website provides destination information, contact details
of tour operator members to help you plan the best Italian holiday,
insider tips, year round special offers and information on everything
from beach holidays in Sardinia, cycling in Sicily, to a wedding or
honeymoon in Tuscany.
0 comments:
Post a Comment