Arezzo is one of Tuscany’s most elegant and underrated cities — a treasure trove of Etruscan, Roman, and Renaissance history best known for its world-famous monthly antiques fair that transforms the entire historic centre into a collector’s paradise. While tourists flock to Florence and Siena, Arezzo offers the same medieval grandeur without the crushing crowds.
Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: First weekend of each month for the Fiera Antiquaria (antiques fair); September for the Giostra del Saracino medieval joust
- Top attraction: Piero della Francesca’s fresco cycle ‘The Legend of the True Cross’ in the Basilica of San Francesco
- How to get there: ~1 hour from Florence by train (direct regional trains run frequently)
- Entry fee (frescoes): €10 (book tickets in advance)
- Best for: Art lovers, antique hunters, and anyone wanting authentic Tuscany without the crowds
Why Visit Arezzo
Arezzo’s sloping Piazza Grande — with its distinctive trapezoidal shape and arcaded loggia designed by Vasari — is one of Italy’s most beautiful squares. The city features prominently in Roberto Benigni’s Academy Award-winning film ‘Life is Beautiful’ (La Vita è Bella), with several key scenes filmed right here.
The Fiera Antiquaria (first Sunday of each month and preceding Saturday) is Italy’s oldest and largest antiques fair, drawing over 400 exhibitors and filling every street and piazza with furniture, art, books, jewellery, and curiosities. The Giostra del Saracino (June and September) is a thrilling medieval jousting tournament that has been held since the 16th century, complete with costumed parades and flag-throwers.
Arezzo Antiques Fair (Fiera Antiquaria di Arezzo) is the oldest and also the biggest antiques fair in Italy with over 500 stalls. The fair offers antiques and restored works in the wonderful historic center of the city of Arezzo.
The main section of the fair is located in Piazza Grande, Piazza San Francesco, and the Logge Vasari which transforms the whole city center into one great market place.
Arezzo Antiques Fair is held in the first weekend of every month and has an average attendance of 20.000 people each weekend. The exhibitors come from all over Italy and offer a panorama of cultural traditions, costumes and artefacts from Italy’s history.
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