Vasari Square
Piazza Vasari, a focal point for those visiting our city, enchants with its extraordinary beauty, born from the fusion of architectural styles from different eras. This place, also known as Vasari Square, offers a journey into the past through its fascinating shapes and colors.
Life is beautiful
Piazza Vasari was made immortal in Roberto Benigni’s three Oscar-winning film, “Life is Beautiful.” This film, which recounts the tragedy of the Holocaust in a moving and universally recognized way despite some historical inaccuracies, was partially filmed right in the heart of Arezzo. With a walk here one can walk the same paths as Guido and Dora, the film’s protagonists, and relive their light-heartedness before the tragic Nazi deportation.
Medieval Market
Vasari Square still breathes the medieval atmosphere. During the communal age, it was the site of the market, a crucial occasion for the community of the time to exchange news, information and purchase essential goods. The Largo, built on sloping ground, was the center of city life in the Renaissance and is thought to have been used as early as Roman times as a forum. Piazza Vasari has thus been the beating heart of the city for centuries.
The Style
The gently sloping, colored brick pavement interspersed with white geometric lines is surrounded by historic buildings such as the Pieve di Santa Maria, the 17th-century Palazzo del Tribunale and the Palazzo delle Logge, designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1573. Under its arcade are artisan stores and fine restaurants. Piazza Vasari is so named for the Vasariano loggia, in front of which stand medieval buildings with crenellated towers and wooden galleries, a 16th-century fountain, and the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici, which combines Gothic, Renaissance, and late Renaissance elements. The bell tower towers over the square, and below it, a clock shows not only solar time but also the phases of the moon.
Vasari Square: The Joust
The heart of the city beats intensely during the Joust of the Saracen, a medieval re-enactment held twice a year. The city’s four districts compete in this equestrian competition, a picturesque event that includes costume parades and contests with knights in armor.
Piazza Grande: Arezzo Antiques Fair
The square also hosts the Arezzo Antiques Fair, a must-see event with more than 500 exhibitors. This fair, held every first Saturday and Sunday of the month, offers items of historical value such as medals, coins, stamps and jewelry.
The Life of Piazza Grande
To experience the square at its best, these two events are recommended. But Piazza Vasari , with its bars and clubs in front of artistic and architectural masterpieces, is always fascinating. For a quieter experience, visit at other times. Arezzo will always welcome you for an unforgettable tourist experience.
Start your visit to Arezzo from Vasari Square!
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The B&B Cento Passi Dal Duomo is very close to this square. Starting from Via di Corso Italia, you will quickly reach the Loggias of Giorgio Vasari. Here you will find renowned cafes and restaurants, with views of Vasari’s splendid architecture. From here it is easy to explore the rest of Arezzo’s historic center, with its architecture such as the Pieve di Santa Maria and its interesting museums, such as the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art. At Bed and Breakfast Cento Passi Dal Duomo, our passion for our city drives us to recommend these and other destinations to our guests, which you can discover on our website. We look forward to seeing you!