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.
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