The Piazza Grande in Arezzo: history and points of interest
Piazza Vasari, also known as the Piazza Grande, is a hidden jewel of Arezzo, rich in history and beauty. A vital center since Roman times, today it is famous for the Giostra del Saracino, an ancient re-enactment that enlivens the square twice a year. Among its monuments are the Romanesque apse of the Pieve di Santa Maria, the baroque-style Palazzo del Tribunale, and the Palazzo delle Logge, a masterpiece by Giorgio Vasari. Piazza Vasari is also the site of the monthly Antiques Fair, one of the most important antiques markets in Europe, making Arezzo a must-see destination for art and history enthusiasts.
Piazza Vasari: Arezzo, the Story of an Italian Artistic Treasure
I bet that when you think of Tuscany, the first cities that come to mind are Florence, with its monuments and architectural wonders, Siena, with its famous Palio, and Pisa, with its much-photographed tower. You probably don’t immediately think of one of the most authentic and characteristic cities—Arezzo—which contains within itself a true jewel of history and beauty: Piazza Grande, also known as Piazza Vasari.
Photo by Sailko from Wikimedia Commons
If you think that Arezzo might be a “minor” city, you’ll have to think again: it’s enough to know that it was the cradle of 13th-century Italian poetry, as it gave birth to poets such as Guittone d’Arezzo and Francesco Petrarca, the sharp-witted Pietro Aretino, the great artist and architect Giorgio Vasari, a man remembered in history, Maecenas, and the inventor of the musical scale that has survived to this day, Guido d’Arezzo.
If you love cinema, you probably already know that the beautiful city immortalized in the film “Life is Beautiful” is actually Arezzo, and that many scenes were filmed in the unmistakable Piazza Vasari.
Located in the heart of the city, this is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful squares in Tuscany. The history of Piazza Vasari in Arezzo dates back to Roman times, as it stands on the very spot where the ancient Roman forum once existed. During the communal period, this same place was the scene of trade, religious, and military life, and during the Renaissance, it remained the heart of the city’s civic life.
Piazza Grande in Arezzo: The Joust of the Saracen
However, this square is best known for the Giostra del Saracino, which took place here in medieval times and is still held today to celebrate the city’s medieval past. Nowadays, the Joust takes place twice a year, in June and September: a competition between knights and a historical parade with three hundred participants and flag bearers brings the square to life and revives, with passionate energy, a past of which the people of Arezzo are proud.
The Joust takes place on the second-to-last Saturday of June (called the Joust of San Donato) and the first Sunday of September (the September Joust). Few people know that the main participants are the city’s four ancient districts: Porta Crucifera, Porta del Foro, Porta Sant’Andrea, and Porta del Borgo, also known as Porta Santo Spirito.
If you visit Piazza Vasari, you’ll immediately be struck by its completely irregular yet harmonious shape. A truly distinctive feature is the slope of the ground—something you won’t find in any other square—with a difference of about ten meters between the highest and lowest points.
It’s true that walking here might be a bit tiring, but this slope only adds to the character of Piazza Vasari and makes it unique, without taking away from its artistic beauty: just one glance at this space offers you a breathtaking display of artistic and architectural styles—an open-air anthology that will leave you speechless.
The Wonders of Piazza Grande
Diego Delso, delso.photo, License CC BY-SA (1)
On the western side of the square, you can admire the Romanesque style of the apse of the Pieve di Santa Maria—one of Arezzo’s most important churches since the 13th century—and the Baroque style of the Palazzo del Tribunale. On the same side, you’ll also find the Palazzo della Fraternità dei Laici, built in 1262 by the Dominican Fathers, which combines Gothic, Renaissance, and late Renaissance styles across its three levels. On the north side, you’ll see the famous Palazzo delle Logge, designed in 1573 by Giorgio Vasari: this is precisely why the square was named after him, and it is the most frequently featured location in Benigni’s masterpiece.
On the eastern side, the square is closed by Palazzo Lappoli, restored between 1928 and 1937, while to the southwest stands the tower house of the Cofani family. Also facing the square is the bell tower with its 16th-century clock that marks both lunar and solar phases.
In short, whether you’re an art lover or not, you cannot remain indifferent in front of what is, in every sense, an open-air museum. Piazza Vasari: in Arezzo, history, art, beauty, and charm come together here every day.
Want one more reason to visit Piazza Vasari? You might not know that today this square hosts the monthly Antiques Fair, one of the most important in Europe, founded in 1968 by Ivan Bruschi. The fair is a major meeting point for collectors who gather here to exchange watches, prints, books, fabrics, and more—an unmissable opportunity to meet new people and perhaps find a great deal.
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Our cozy rooms, panoramic swimming pool, and homemade breakfast make our property the perfect starting point to visit Arezzo, enjoy its attractions and events such as the “Giostra del Saracino” held in Piazza Grande itself, or explore the charming villages of the surrounding area. Book now directly on our website to get the best guaranteed rate and enjoy an unforgettable Tuscan experience!
