Known for its elaborate façade and the elegant apse that juts out toward the Piazza Grand, the church of Santa Maria della Pieve is a historic gem full of ecclesiastical relics. Study the church’s magnificent array of frescos to find out more about Arezzo’s artistic heritage.
The cathedral was originally built in the 12th century and has been subject to several alterations and renovations since then. Admire the intriguing façade, which contains several rows of intricate arches and columns. The lowest level has five arches, three of which contain portals. Notice how the number of columns increases with each subsequent row, creating a striking pattern.
Gaze up at the tall Romanesque bell tower, which was constructed in 1330. The tower reaches a height of almost 197 feet (60 meters). Locals often call it the “campanile delle cento buche” (hundred-hole bell tower), a nickname that references its double-arched windows.
Inside, the nave is large and spacious with a large main aisle and two narrower aisles on either side. The site has a wonderful collection of artworks, most notably Pietro Lorenzetti’s 14th-century polyptych painting. Inspect the complex work´s multiple panels, which depict biblical figures such as the St. John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary. Among the other notable pieces is a 14th-century silver bust of St. Donatus, the patron saint of the region.
The church backs onto the sloping Piazza Grande square, which provides pretty views of the rounded apse. Hang around the plaza and watch people go by. Look for Cofani-Brizzolari palace, which encompasses the 13th-century Torre Faggiolana.
The Santa Maria della Pieve church stands between the cobblestone road of the Corso Italia and the Piazza Grande in the center of the medieval city. Reach the church on foot from nearby landmarks such as the BasilicaofSan Francesco, the Francesco Petrarca Monument and the Ivan Bruschi House Museum.
