Giorgio Panariello in Arezzo
Popular Italian comedian Giorgio Panariello presents his new show at the historic Fortezza Medicea.
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Piazza Grande (Arezzo)
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Landmark
Piazza Grande in Arezzo is widely considered one of the most unique and beautiful squares in Tuscany. It is characterized by an unusual trapezoidal shape and a steep slope, which was originally intended for rainwater drainage. The square is surrounded by a diverse array of historic buildings, including the Romanesque apse of Santa Maria della Pieve and the Palazzetto della Fraternità dei Laici, featuring a 16th-century astronomical clock. The northern side is defined by the grand Loggia di Vasari, designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1573. Twice a year, the square hosts the Giostra del Saracino, a traditional medieval jousting tournament that draws large crowds. It is also the site of Arezzo's famous monthly antiques market. Film enthusiasts may recognize Piazza Grande as a key filming location for Roberto Benigni's Oscar-winning movie Life is Beautiful.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Piazza Grande · Fraternita Palace Museum · Pieve di Santa Maria
- Nearby: Cortona (23 km)
- Population: ~100.734 (2022)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 60 | 66 | 66 | 61 | 64 | 41 | 32 | 41 | 72 | 85 | 106 | 82 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Piazza Grande is a public square accessible freely at any time; it can be visited without restrictions. The surrounding buildings like Palazzo delle Logge are visible from the outside, with interiors open only at certain times.
Typical hours
As a public square, Piazza Grande has no opening hours; it is accessible around the clock. The surrounding shops and cafés have their own hours, typically during the day.
Photography
Photography on Piazza Grande is allowed anytime without restrictions. The square is especially photogenic during the Giostra del Saracino, when medieval festivals take place.
Time needed
A walk around the square and observing the architecture takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Those wanting to enjoy the surrounding palaces and views should allow about an hour.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the Church of San Francesco and the Medici Fortress in Arezzo. The Roman basilica of Arezzo and the Archaeological Museum are also worth seeing.
Getting there
Piazza Grande is located in the historic center of Arezzo and is easily reached on foot. By car, best to park in the car parks outside the old town and walk in.
Insider tip
Visit the square on Saturday morning for the famous antique market. The stalls on the sloped surface create a unique spectacle then.
Geography
Facts
- The square has a slope with a vertical drop of about 10 meters.
- The Loggia designed by Giorgio Vasari was built in 1573.
- The Giostra del Saracino joust takes place in June and September.
- The astronomical clock on the Palazzetto dates back to 1552.
- Arezzo's antiques market has been held here monthly since 1968.
- The square was a primary filming location for the 1997 film Life is Beautiful.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Piazza Grande (Arezzo) (10)
Casa museo Ivan Bruschi🏛 museum
Museum in Tuscany, former home of collector Ivan Bruschi. Antiques and art.
Casa del Petrarca
House in Arezzo, birthplace of the poet Petrarch. Historic building.
Tofano's
Monument in Arezzo, named after a character from Boccaccio's Decameron. Fountain or sculpture.
Teatro Pietro Aretino
Theatre in Arezzo, named after writer Pietro Aretino. Venue for performances.
Rovine Etrusche
Archaeological site in Arezzo. Remains of an Etruscan settlement.
San Michele
Church building in Arezzo. Dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is the square slanted?
The ground was tilted to drain rainwater; the difference in height is about 10 meters.
What famous event takes place here?
Twice a year, the medieval jousting tournament 'Giostra del Saracino' is held here.
Was the square a filming location?
Yes, key scenes from the Oscar-winning movie 'Life is Beautiful' were filmed here.
Is there a regular market?
On the first weekend of every month, a famous antiques market is held here.
What is the Loggia Vasari?
A Renaissance building with arcades on the north side, designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1573.
Piazza Grande (Arezzo): where is it located?
Piazza Grande (Arezzo) is located in Italy.
Piazza Grande (Arezzo): what is there to see?
Highlights include Piazza Grande, Fraternita Palace Museum, Pieve di Santa Maria.
Piazza Grande (Arezzo): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Piazza Grande (Arezzo): why is it worth visiting?
Piazza Grande in Arezzo is widely considered one of the most unique and beautiful squares in Tuscany.
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