Visit Arezzo
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Arezzo is a city that combines Renaissance elegance with authentic Tuscan character. Famous for the Giostra del Saracino (Saracen Joust), its goldsmith workshops and views over the Chiana Valley, it represents an ideal destination for those traveling by camper who wish to combine art, culture, and good food.
Stopovers and overnight stays
Arezzo is particularly camper-friendly, featuring well-signposted and easily accessible parking areas.
Recommended areas
Arezzo Camper Area Tarlati ParkingVia Guido Tarlati, 42, 52100 Arezzo (AR)
Tarlati Parking in Arezzo is a convenient and functional camper rest area for visiting the city. The parking is generally free, although during certain periods (such as “Città del Natale” – Christmas City) it may become paid with specific rates. It does not have dump/fill services or electricity. The area is equipped with lighting. Access to the center is located a short distance away (approximately 10 minutes on foot) from the escalators that allow you to easily reach Arezzo’s historic center, arriving near the Cathedral.
GPS: 43.472638, 11.883205
Municipal Equipped Camper Area
Via Pier Luigi da Palestrina, 26, 52100 Arezzo (AR)
Municipal equipped area for campers, with concrete/interlocking paver surface. Potable water filling is available for a fee; gray water and black water disposal is free. Electrical hookup is not available. Paid service 24 hours a day, every day. Daily rate (24h): approximately €8.00. Hourly rate: approximately €0.80/hour.
GPS: 43.472007, 11.887689
Getting Around
The historic center of Arezzo is compact and easily explored on foot or by bicycle.
- On foot: from Tarlati parking you can reach Piazza Grande in approximately 15 minutes.
- By bike or scooter: Arezzo has cycle paths along Viale Giotto and towards Parco del Pionta.
- Public transport: LAM and 3A urban lines connect the peripheral areas to the center. Timed ticket (70 minutes): approximately €1.70 purchasable via app (Tiemme Spa) or €2.50 if purchased on board.
“Getting to the center? Simple thanks to the escalators”
a pleasant walk under the arcades
Points of Interest (PoI)
1
Piazza Grande
Piazza Grande is undeniably the historical and scenic heart of Arezzo, a place of unique beauty immediately distinguished by its characteristic trapezoidal shape and sharply sloping pavement, a legacy of its medieval layout. It is not merely a stage for city life, but a true compendium of Arezzo's architectural history. Facing the upper side, stands the elegant Palazzo delle Logge, a Renaissance masterpiece designed by the famous Aretine Giorgio Vasari, whose portico lends harmony to the square. Balancing this structure, we find the complex of the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici, which blends Gothic and Renaissance styles and is topped by a bell tower housing a fascinating astronomical clock. Finally, the northwest side is dominated by the imposing stone apse of the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta, which adds a Romanesque touch to the whole.
This visually striking square is the setting for two of the city's most important events: the historic Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracen), a medieval equestrian tournament that ignites passions twice a year, and the renowned Fiera Antiquaria (Antiques Fair), which transforms it into Italy's largest open-air antiques exhibition every first weekend of the month. Finally, Piazza Grande is also dear to cinema, having been immortalized as the backdrop for many iconic scenes in Roberto Benigni's masterpiece, Life Is Beautiful.
2
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Donatus
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Donatus (Duomo dei Santi Pietro e Donato), a symbol of the city, stands on the highest point of Arezzo. Its construction, which began in 1278 and was completed only centuries later (the current façade is Neo-Gothic from the early twentieth century), makes it a magnificent example of Tuscan Gothic architecture.
The three-naved interior safeguards an exceptional artistic heritage. Among the unmissable works is the fresco of The Magdalen (La Maddalena) by Piero della Francesca, located in the left aisle. In the center of the presbytery, one can admire the imposing Ark of Saint Donatus (Arca di San Donato), a finely sculpted marble monument containing the relics of the patron saint. Also of great impact are the splendid polychrome stained-glass windows created by the French master Guillaume de Marcillat and the cenotaph of Guido Tarlati.
The Cathedral is thus the main place of worship and a true treasure trove of art, dominating the city's skyline.
3
Basilica of Saint Francis
The Basilica of Saint Francis (Basilica di San Francesco) is one of the most important sites in Arezzo, famous worldwide not so much for its modest, unfinished stone and brick facade, but rather for the treasure it holds inside.
The late-medieval, single-nave church is the repository of an absolute masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance: the fresco cycle of The Legend of the True Cross (La Leggenda della Vera Croce) by Piero della Francesca. These frescoes, located in the Bacci Chapel, are celebrated for their crystalline light, masterful perspective, and the monumentality of the figures, which narrate the history of the wood of Christ’s Cross.
In addition to this universally valuable painting cycle, the Basilica houses other significant works, including a painted crucifix by a 13th-century master and other pieces by local artists. It is thus an unmissable destination for anyone who wishes to admire the genius of Piero della Francesca in its original context.
4
Corso Italia and the Gold Museum
Corso Italia is the mainstay of civic life in Arezzo, representing the main artery that longitudinally crosses the historical center. An ancient cardo (main street) of the medieval and Roman city, this street is a lively blend of history and modernity: here, elegant shops, historic cafés, and buildings from various eras follow one another, notably including the splendid apse of the Pieve di Santa Maria. It is the ideal place for a walk to admire the city's buzz and the architecture that dates back to the 13th century.
Arezzo has always been synonymous with goldsmithing and precious metals, a connection celebrated by the Museo Orodautore (or Gold Museum). Housed in a central location, this museum is a tribute to the Aretine goldsmith tradition, exhibiting a rich collection of artifacts that document the stylistic evolution and local artisanal mastery. The museum itinerary allows visitors to admire unique pieces, often created in collaboration with internationally renowned artists and designers, testifying to the creativity and innovation that have made Arezzo a global hub of goldsmithing excellence.
5
Medicean Fortress and Prato Park
The Medicean Fortress (Fortezza Medicea) dominates the upper part of the city, on the Colle di San Donato. It is an imposing example of 16th-century defensive military architecture, commissioned by Cosimo I de' Medici, and built over the remains of the ancient Etruscan acropolis and the medieval citadel. Its structure, with its pointed bastions, offers today a magnificent panoramic viewpoint with views over the city, the Arno valley, and the surrounding mountains. Following a recent restoration, the Fortress is fully accessible and is also an archaeological site, having uncovered finds from the Roman and Medieval eras.
The Fortress is connected to the Prato Park (Parco del Prato), the main green lung of the historical center. This is a large public area that acts as a link between the Cathedral (Duomo) and the Fortress itself. With its large English-style lawns and tree-lined avenues, it is a place cherished by Aretines for walking and relaxation, and at its center stands the marble monument dedicated to the poet Francesco Petrarca, offering an oasis of tranquility in the city's historical heart.
Seasonal Events
Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracen)
Where: Arezzo
When: June and September.
What: Historical re-enactment featuring costumed knights who challenge each other in Piazza Grande.
.
Arezzo Antiques Fair (Fiera Antiquaria)
Where: Arezzo
When: The first Sunday of the month.
What: One of the most important in Italy, featuring exhibitors from all over the country.
Christmas Markets in Piazza Grande
Where: Arezzo
When: December.
What: Craft stalls and Nordic atmosphere in the medieval heart of the city.
“Cathedral of Saints Peter and Donatus”
“you can find information on routes outside Arezzo too”
Typical Dishes and Local Products
You can’t say you’ve truly experienced Arezzo without tasting Baldino, the ancient autumn sweet that tells centuries of peasant tradition. Called “castagnaccio” in the rest of Tuscany, in Arezzo it proudly bears the name Baldino, a humble yet generous sweet prepared when freshly ground chestnut flour perfumes mountain homes. Perfect to prepare in your camper, this simple gluten-free sweet celebrates the philosophy of peasant cuisine: few genuine ingredients for an extraordinary result.
Recipe for Aretine Baldino
Ingredients (for a 30 cm baking pan):
- 300g chestnut flour
- 500ml cold water
- 50g pine nuts
- 50g sultana raisins
- 30g walnut kernels (optional)
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- 5 tablespoons Tuscan extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch of salt
Preparation method:
- Prepare the raisins: Soak the raisins in a cup of warm water for 10-15 minutes, then drain and squeeze well.
- Prepare the batter: Sift the chestnut flour into a large bowl to remove any lumps. Add a pinch of salt.
- Add the water: Pour the cold water in gradually, whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. You should obtain a fluid mixture, similar to crêpe batter. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the pan: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a small pan with the rosemary sprig for 1 minute, without frying it. Pour the flavored oil onto the bottom of a shallow baking pan (maximum batter height: 1 cm), leaving the rosemary in.
- Assemble: Pour the batter into the pan, leveling with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the surface with pine nuts, squeezed raisins, and walnuts. Break some rosemary needles over the surface and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil.
- Baking: Bake in a preheated oven at 190-200°C in static mode for 30-35 minutes. The baldino is ready when a golden, cracked crust forms on the surface.
- Cooling: Let cool in the oven with the door ajar for a few minutes, then remove. Baldino is enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Historical and cultural note
Baldino has its roots in the Middle Ages, when chestnuts were called “the grain of the poor” and represented the foundation of mountain nutrition. The first written testimony dates back to 1500, when castagnaccio was prepared only with chestnut flour and water. It was in the 18th century that pine nuts and raisins entered the recipe, transforming it into the version we know today. In Arezzo, the name “baldino” has remained unchanged through the centuries, preserving the memory of peasant housewives who created this delicacy with few ingredients without having to resort to eggs, butter, or lard—precious resources reserved for special occasions. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, baldino is traditionally enjoyed with fresh ricotta or Vin Santo, symbolizing the philosophy of Tuscan peasant cuisine: transforming simplicity into excellence.
Useful Tips
Visiting Arezzo by camper means discovering a less touristy but authentic Tuscany, rich in culture, flavors, and unique landscapes. The city is perfectly accessible to campers and represents an ideal stopover between Florence, Siena, and the Casentino area.
Before leaving, don’t forget to check out nearby villages such as Cortona, Anghiari, and Poppi.
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October 27, 2025
