Tuscany Villas

Arezzo @ Historical city of Tuscany

Arezzo was founded by the Etruscans. It was one of the twelve most important Etruscan cities that composed the so‑called Dodecapolis. The famous Chimera of Arezzo, now in Florence, was found here. As Arretium it was a flourishing city in the days of the Roman Empire, well-known in particular for its pottery manufactures. During the Middle Ages, the city was fortified using the stones of dismantled ancient buildings. From the 11th century until 1384 Arezzo was an independent city. In 1384 Florence conquered Arezzo and incorporated it in the Tuscan State of Florence. Piazza Grande is in the heart of the city. The centre of the medieval city ans Aretine life, Piazza Grande is where the Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracin) takes place every first Sunday of June and September. The Giostra is a tournament involving the four quartiers of Arezzo. The knights representing the four quartiers challenge on horseback with ancient spears and wearing ancient costumes.