arezzo

Arezzo is the largest town in eastern Tuscany, north of Cortona and east of Siena. It is known for its medieval architecture and works of art by such masters as Ciambue and Piero della Francesca. 

It's worth visiting Piero della Francesco's freoces in the Chiesa di San Francesco.  The fresco cycle was painted between 1452 and 1466 and is considered to be one of the masterpieces of the Renaissance.

The streets are windy and narrow and its squares were made to while away hours soaking up Italian life. Known for its fashion forward designers, there is a strong sense of the aesthetic wherever you look. Wallet permitting, check out Sugar www.sugar.it on the main drag, uber chic and nice sales people!

The Arezzo Antiques Fair www.arezzofieraantiquaria.com is the biggest in Italy, held on the first weekend of each month. The largest market takes place on 9, 10 and 11 September. the barn is full of bargains purchased at the fair.

Arezzo is also famous for an annual medieval festival called the Giostra del Saracino.  In this, "knights" on horseback representing different areas of the town charge at a wooden target attached to a carving of a Saracen king and score points according to accuracy. Virtually all the town's people dress-up in medieval costume and enthusiastically cheer on the competitors. Great fun for all the family.