L'Italo-Americano

italoamericano-digital-5-4-2023

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THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023 www.italoamericano.org 22 L'Italo-Americano T uscany is a land of b e a u t y : p i c - turesque villages, stunning art and architecture, deli- cious food. But while most tourists head to Florence, Siena, or Pisa, the eastern Tuscan town of Arezzo is often overlooked. Yet, with its rich history and vibrant cul- tural scene, Arezzo is a must- see destination for anyone looking to explore Tuscany beyond the beaten path. Here are some good rea- sons to visit Arezzo the next time you are on this side of the pond! I t i s a c i t y o f a r t a n d artists Arezzo has a long and illus- trious artistic heritage, and it's been home to some of Italy's most celebrated artists. Renaissance master Piero d e l l a F r a n c e s c a , f o r instance, was born and lived in Arezzo. His frescoes in the Church of San Francesco are considered to be some of the most important works of art of the Italian Renaissance. But Piero della Francesca isn't the only artist hailing from here: painter, architect, and a r t h i s t o r i a n G i o r g i o Vasari, who wrote the semi- nal The Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects was also born here. It's like being in the Middle Ages A r e z z o h a s a r i c h medieval heritage, and its historic center is a treasure trove of amazing architecture. T h e P i a z z a G r a n d e i s t h e heart of the city and is home to many historical buildings, including the Palazzo delle Logge and the 13th-century Romanesque church of Santa Maria della Pieve. Another important medieval attraction is the Fortezza Medicea, a fortress built in the 16th cen- tury by the Medici family to protect the city from attacks. Today, it's a cultural center that hosts exhibitions, con- certs, and other events. It's spiritual A r e z z o i s h o m e t o many historic churches, each with its own unique his- tory and architectural style. The Cattedrale di San Dona- to, located in the heart of the city, is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. Its impressive bell tower, built in the 14th century, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Arezzo. The Basilica di San Francesco is another g e m : t h i s 1 3 t h - c e n t u r y church is famous for its fres- coes by the already-men- tioned Piero della Francesca, including The Legend of the True Cross cycle, dedicated t o t h e s t o r y o f t h e C r o s s where Jesus was crucified. I t ' s a f o o d l o v e r ' s paradise T u s c a n y i s f a m o u s f o r its food, and Arezzo is no exception. The city is known for its delicious local cuisine, w h i c h i n c l u d e s d i s h e s l i k e p i c i ( a t y p e o f pasta), ribollita (a hearty s o u p ) , a n d b i s t e c c a a l l a Fiorentina. Make sure to try local wines too, such as Chi- anti and Brunello di Montal- cino. One of the best places to s a m p l e A r e z z o ' s c u l i n a r y d e l i g h t s i s t h e M e r c a t o Antico, a historic covered market that's been selling local produce and delicacies for centuries. Here you'll find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and baked goods. It's a city of festivals If there is one thing Arezzo knows how to do is orga- nize great events. Through- out the year, you can expect to find a diverse range of fes- tivals taking place in the city. One of the most famous is the Giostra del Saracino, which takes place every June: it's a thrilling spectacle that s e e s k n i g h t s d r e s s e d i n medieval armor jousting on horseback. The competition is held in the Piazza Grande, and the aim is to hit a target on a wooden effigy of a Sara- cen. It's a literary destination Arezzo has been an inspi- ration to writers and poets for centuries. The city is men- t i o n e d i n D a n t e ' s D i v i n e Comedy, and Petrarca, who is considered the father of humanism, was born in the city. Petrarca is best known for his sonnets, and his love for Laura — a woman he met i n A v i g n o n , F r a n c e — inspired much of his work. In A r e z z o , y o u c a n v i s i t h i s childhood home, which is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. The city also has a rich tradition of folk tales and legends, many of which have been passed down through generations. It's a shopper's delight Arezzo is a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts. The city is known for its gold- s m i t h s , a n d y o u c a n f i n d beautiful jewelry and other c r a f t s i n t h e c i t y ' s m a n y shops. Its historic center is filled with small boutiques and artisanal shops selling everything from handcrafted leather goods to locally made ceramics. If you're looking for something truly unique, head to the antiques market that takes place on the first week- end of every month. Here, you'll find a treasure trove of vintage items, including fur- niture, books, and clothing. It's a city of music A r e z z o i s a c i t y t h a t loves music, so don't be sur- prised to hear live music in the streets and squares of its historic center. Indeed, Arez- zo has a rich musical heritage, and in the 16th century, it was home to the Accademia dei Filomusi, a famous music a c a d e m y . T o d a y , t h e c i t y hosts many music festivals throughout the year, includ- ing the Arezzo Wave Love Festival, which takes place every summer and attracts a diverse range of local and international musicians. There is a lot to love about Arezzo FRANCESCA BEZZONE ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES Piazza Grande, the historical and urbanistic heart of Arezzo (Photo: Maciej Czekajewski/Dreamstime), and one of the city's most famous children, Francesco Petrarca (Photo: Georgios Kollidas/Dreamstime)

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