Posted by: Debra Kolkka | November 20, 2020

Lunch and art in Arezzo

Before the current Covid restrictions prevented travel I went with friends on a road trip. We visited Ravenna, Urbino and on the way home, Arezzo. The main reason for dropping into Arezzo was to see the stunning frescoes by Piero della Francesca.

Piero della Francesca was born around 1416 in Sansepolcro and had a profound influence on Renaissance art and mathematics. His art work was known for its realistic approach. Gold backgrounds were popular at the time but he chose to use landscapes as a backdrop to give perspective and depth to his paintings.

One of his most recognised masterpieces is in Arezzo in the Basilica di San Francesco.

His cycle of frescoes “The history of the true cross” was  completed in 1462. It is amazing that we can still marvel at the frescoes today.



The detail in the fresco is wonderful. The expressions on the faces, the clothes…there is much to take in.




The fashions of the day fascinate me. These pants were an interesting design.

We were careful not to lean on the hurdles.


This was not my first visit to see the frescoes and it won’t be the last.

Here are other posts I have written about Arezzo.

Arresting Arezzo

Antique market Arezzo

Can I have flags with that?

The weather was not on our side the day we were there. Clouds were gathering so we looked for a place inside to have lunch, even though the outdoor offerings were inviting.

We found an excellent compromise with a restaurant in the Palazzo delle Logge del Vasari on the edge of the Piazza Grande. I have eaten at Ristorante La Lancia d’Oro before and it was excellent again on this visit.

The sloping Piazza Grande is surrounded by remarkable buildings.

I spotted this lovely little roof garden on the building above…it has taken my eye before.

I wonder why one of the columns on the Apse of the Chiesa Santa Maria Delle Pieve is crooked. Perhaps somebody out there knows.

Arezzo is a beautiful city, well worth several visits…I will be back once travel becomes possible again.

Booking ahead is necessary to visit the Basilica di San Francesco.

http://www.pierodellafrancesca-ticketoffice.it

Ristorante La Lancia d’Oro

http://www.ristorantelanciadoro.it


Responses

  1. Thank you for that wonderful write up on Arezzo. I should have been there in June with my clients, but Covid put a stop to that. I love renaissance Art and am aware of Piero della Francesca‘s work, so I have noted where to go to see the frescoes. Have noted the restaurant too, for future reference and definitely want to go to the Antique Fair on first Sunday of a month. All things on my list! Your blogs are so informative and I am gleaning lots of information for hopefully next year.
    Our Prime Minister is opening up flights into Australia soon, so you might get home for Christmas (although I would prefer Italy at Christmas. I love all the Nativity productions in some of the villages).
    I’m now going to read your blog on the Antique Market, at Arezzo.
    I still think you should write a book! Just paste all your blogs together. They are a great read.

    Kind regards,
    Isobel

    • Thank you for your comments. Arezzo is a great place to visit and the antique market is excellent.
      I doubt that I will come home for Christmas. I don’t want to isolate in a hotel and I think a flight will be difficult to obtain. I also doubt that there will be any of the usual Christmas celebrations here this year with all the restrictions. If things open up a bit I might be able to go to Florence to see the decorations.

  2. It certainly looks well worth a visit

    • Arezzo is lovely. It has lots to see and do, good restaurants, gorgeous buildings, art, shopping and more. I love it.

      • Sounds like my kind of place, Debra!

  3. I love your virtual tour and the great pictures. You captured expressions and detail. I love the old buildings and the crosses. The artwork in the temples is wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

    • The work of Piero della Francesca is worth a visit to Arezzo alone.

  4. The columns are all different, with the crooked one being a statue.

    • The capitals are all different, but the crooked one is quite odd. I have looked at the building many times but had not noticed the difference until my friend pointed it out.
      PS. I just did a bit of digging. One of the columns on the front of the church is a caryatid, a statue of a woman. The column in the apse refers to a bended knee.

  5. Debra, I just love to be virtually in Italy with you. Thank you.

    • I am lucky that I was able to travel a bit before restrictions returned,

  6. I love those frescoes! Particularly the one depicting the Queen of Sheba and her ladies adoring the Holy Cross. I find it exquisite!

    • The frescoes are stunning, well worth a second visit.

  7. Great “tour” Debra! It’s been sooo long since I visited Arezzo and it’s very high on my list (once we can move around again!). If you are able to come to Florence for some “holiday cheer” (as low key as it promises to be), let me know and we can at least have a Prosecco!

    • Once (if) we are no longer a red zone I would like a day in Florence. I will let you know.

  8. Absolutely loved this Post on Arezzo. What a fascinating place to spend days in. Thank you for the beautiful photos of the Frescoes.Cannot believe the beaitiful works of Art that was done all those centuries ago & still are here for us to wonder at & admire. We were also puzzled with the crooked column!! Each restaurant you find make us envious as we look at what you have selected. Thanks again love your Post.

    • I am also amazed that we can see art that was done centuries ago. We are very lucky that they survive to be admired today. Arezzo is a lovely city, a place I am happy to revisit.


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