The oldest square in Arezzo, Piazza Grande dates from the 13th century, though the addition of Giorgio Vasari’s elegant 16th-century loggia significantly reduced its size. A stop in this central square is a must during any visit to Arezzo, as it is both home to a number of the city’s most important historical palaces and a clutch of animated restaurants and bars with outdoor tables, perfect for relaxing under the Tuscan sun. Join a walking tour of the town center, or combine a visit to both Arezzo and nearby Cortona for a day trip.
Piazza Grande is in the historic center of Arezzo, a quick walk from other city highlights and the train station. Arezzo is located about an hour southeast of Florence, and is easy to reach by train or car.
The highlights of Piazza Grande are the antique market held the first weekend of each month, and the Joust of the Saracens in June and September each year.
Arezzo fell under the power of the Florentine Medicis in the 16th century, and Piazza Grande is home to the elegant Loggia Vasariana, testimony to the influence of the new rulers on the cityscape. Other notable buildings on the square include the 14th-century Fraternità dei Laici palace, the 13th-century Episcopal Palace, and part of the 13th-century Romanesque apse of Santa Maria della Pieve. On the opposite side of the square, earlier medieval architecture is still visible in the historic homes with wooden balconies and fortified towers. The most distinctive include the Faggiolana Tower and the Lappoli Tower, both dating from the 13th century.