We chose a restaurant in Arezzo in the lovely Palazzo delle Logge del Vasari, right on the beautiful Piazza Grande. It was a gorgeous evening and the tables were set invitingly.
We waited until the sun began to set and the lights came on.
Our meal was excellent…take a look.
Half way through dinner a troop of flag throwers and their musicians appeared and put on a spectacular show for us. I wasn’t really for us, but a group of visiting dignitaries, but we got to watch anyway.
I absolutely love sbandieratori. I love their costumes, their amazing skill and the exciting spectacle of the performance. We were very lucky to be in the piazza at just the right time.
The restaurant looked even better as the night wore on.
Piazza Grande put on a pretty good show too.
There is a lot to like about Arezzo.
We stayed at a great hotel right on the corner of the Piazza Grande…La Corte del Re (The King’s Court). This is the foyer.
Our room had a tiny kitchen. Next time I will stay for a couple of nights and put it to use.
The meals are delicious and inviting to look at,you must have had a great time eating them. your other photographs are awesome. 🙂
By: ranu802 on July 19, 2015
at 12:42 pm
We really enjoyed our delicious food in Arezzo, we chose the restaurant well.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 19, 2015
at 12:46 pm
Amazing photos, Debra! Love the way the tables were decorated and the presentation of the different delectable dishes. The Italians sure know how to put on a good show and you were lucky to see it all in front of you.
By: Sandra Hoopmann on July 19, 2015
at 7:04 pm
We were very lucky to be there for the flag throwing, it is great fun
By: Debra Kolkka on July 19, 2015
at 10:03 pm
Oh, how utterly fabulous!!
By: Jan on July 19, 2015
at 11:46 pm
Yes, it was.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 20, 2015
at 12:49 am
Wonder when the flag thrower tradition dates from.
By: Mallee Stanley on July 20, 2015
at 2:35 am
The tradition dates back to medieval guilds. Flags were a symbol of purity and were not allowed to touch the ground. The spectacle must have taken ages to develop.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 20, 2015
at 8:35 am
Very lovely post, viva italia!
By: corneliaweberphotography on July 20, 2015
at 2:40 am
I really love these spectacles in Italy. We were lucky to have been there.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 20, 2015
at 8:36 am
It not be easy, throwing those flags around!
By: Yvonne on July 20, 2015
at 3:53 am
No, it would not, they are heavy and difficult to handle.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 20, 2015
at 8:36 am
Looks fantastic! Great pictures, they really capture the atmosphere of the evening.
By: Valerie Rice on July 20, 2015
at 12:47 pm
It was a great evening, the flag throwers were a wonderful addition.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 20, 2015
at 9:25 pm
What a lovely surprise to watch! They must have been important dignitaries to get such a performance!
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on July 21, 2015
at 6:09 am
You would think it would take a fair bit to get this organised, so they must have been important…lucky us.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 21, 2015
at 6:23 am
Love the table decoration, Debra! Look at those flags! reminds me of Siena 🙂
By: ishitasood on July 21, 2015
at 9:56 am
We have come upon flag throwers in several towns. It always looks great.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 21, 2015
at 9:37 pm
You are really making me miss Arezzo! Even though I’ve spent a lot of time there I didn’t eat dinner out much since I was there by myself. There’s a restaurant outside the wall that Heather really recommends. I tried to go there for Sunday lunch and they wouldn’t seat me because I was alone!
By: paninigirl on July 22, 2015
at 12:23 am
That’s a bit tough, not allowing you in by yourself. I would not go there on principle.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 22, 2015
at 7:08 am
What fun to have the flag throwers as your dinner entertainment 🙂
I was a flag twirler in high school, but never very good at it. It is a lot of work!
By: sheilasunshine on July 22, 2015
at 8:59 am
Wow …. a fabulous dinner, a surprising show, and quite the hotel room. Quite the treat!
By: aFrankAngle on July 22, 2015
at 10:45 am
Frank and I love Arezzo have never stayed but might have to mark it for our next trip …. Love those flags 💛
By: Lorraine Wagner on July 22, 2015
at 8:42 pm
Possibly even more alluring by night Arezzo… So beautiful!
By: janinevasta on July 23, 2015
at 11:14 am
[…] , Cortona and Arezzo, a firm favourite. I don’t know why more tourists don’t visit Arezzo, but I’m pleased they […]
By: A year of travel | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on December 26, 2015
at 1:18 pm
[…] Can I have flags with that? […]
By: Lunch and art in Arezzo | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on November 20, 2020
at 8:36 pm