A museum dedicated to one of Arezzo’s most eminent figures, Francesco Petrarca
Francesco Petrarca’s House is one of the cultural pillars of Arezzo’s historic center. The building’s notoriety undoubtedly derives from the illustrious Petrarch, meriting an in-depth look at this extraordinary historical figure.
Francesco Petrarca: Pillar of Humanism
Born in Arezzo in 1304, Francesco Petrarca.
His father’s political exile forced the family to move to Carpentras, near Avignon, where Petrarca grew up and developed culturally. Despite studying law in Montpellier and Bologna, his vocation lay elsewhere.
1318 was the year when, moved by the death of his mother, he began writing poetry in Latin. In 1326 he returned to Avignon, changing his life to become a cleric and secure financial stability.
The year 1327 was marked by his meeting with Laura, the perennial muse of his works, despite the debate over her actual existence. Laura is the protagonist of Petrarca’s “Canzoniere.”
In the service of the Colonna family, Petrarca traveled extensively in France, the Netherlands and Belgium. In Liege, he discovered a manuscript of Cicero, triggering his passion for the ancients and laying the foundation for Humanism.
In 1337, he sought refuge in Valchiusa, devoting himself to writing. 1341 saw his coronation as poet laureate in Rome, the highest honor of the time.
A nomadic poet
His later years were marked by constant travel, study and personal reflection.
From Valchiusa to Italian cities such as Parma, Bologna and Verona, Petrarca meditated on life and spirituality, inspired by St. Augustine.
The discovery of Cicero’s letters in Verona influenced his epistolary style.
In 1348, Laura’s death shocked him, inspiring him to create the “Canzoniere.”
In 1350, in Florence, he met Boccaccio. Later, Milan became his home for eight years under the protection of the Visconti family, where he wrote the “Trionfi” and other works in Latin.
Petrarch spent his last years between Padua and Venice, finally retiring to Arquà, where he died in 1374.
His bequest includes an important collection of books, many of which are preserved in Paris. Admired during his lifetime, Petrarca remains a key figure of humanism and Italian literature.
The Birthplace
Petrarca’s birthplace is now a monument to his legacy and home to the Petrarca Academy of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
The site is a 16th-century building, restored after the bombings of 1943. On the ground floor are the remains of a 12th-century stately residence, Petrarca’s birthplace at the dawn of the 1300s.
Petrarca’s House Location
Petrarca himself, in a letter to his friend Giovanni Aretino, confirmed that he was born in Arezzo, “in vico intimo,” in the heart of the urban fabric.
The Petrarca House is located at Via dell’Orto 28, in the heart of Arezzo, near the Cathedral of San Donato and at the top of the hill overlooking the modern city.
How to get to the Petrarca’s House
Located in the historic center, the Petrarca House is easily accessible from the Pietri parking lot by a convenient escalator that arrives in front of the Cathedral.
Visitors by train can reach the building by going up Corso Italia towards the Cathedral to Via dell’Orto.
Petrarca’s Academy of Letters, Arts and Sciences
The Academy, now housed in the building, is the custodian of the Petrarca House Museum, open to the public on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Inside, the museum boasts Renaissance works by Tuscan artists, Petrarchan artifacts, a collection of 250 period coins, and a library filled with publications related to Petrarchism.
Proximity between the B&B “Cento Passi dal Duomo” and the House of Petrarca
The B&B “Cento Passi dal Duomo,” a short walk from Francesco Petrarch’s residence, offers a stay immersed in the history of Arezzo.
This property, with its elegant and comfortable rooms, represents the essence of Tuscan hospitality.
In addition to being close to the famous poet’s home, the B&B is surrounded by the historical wonders of Arezzo.
Within easy walking distance are the Basilica of San Francesco, famous for Piero della Francesca’s frescoes, the Duomo and Piazza Grande.
After a day exploring Arezzo, the B&B “Cento Passi dal Duomo” becomes a haven of peace and relaxation, with breathtaking views of the historic center.
For food lovers, the area offers numerous restaurants where you can enjoy local specialties.
Its privileged location makes the B&B “Cento Passi dal Duomo” an ideal starting point for out-of-town explorations as well.
The building’s architecture, rich in history, blends with the modern comforts desired by contemporary travelers, creating a unique stay experience.
In addition to art and culture, the area comes alive with antique markets and artisan boutiques. For those looking for cultural events, the city offers numerous events throughout the year, including the Science Festival and the traditional Giostra del Saracino, ensuring entertainment and new discoveries.
Discover the charm of Arezzo and its cultural treasures, such as the House of Francesco Petrarca, by staying at the B&B “Cento Passi dal Duomo,” where history, culture and comfort are woven into a memorable experience.