Church of San Francesco Arezzo
Church of San Francesco Arezzo
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Plan your visit
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
449 within 3 miles
Attractions
109 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
1,495 reviews
Excellent
960
Very good
311
Average
98
Poor
61
Terrible
65
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Lahey
12 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We attempted to go to this Basilica twice.
The first time, we drove for an hour and got there 30min before closing time. We explained that we were on a limited time in Arezzo and just driven an hour. The response was "sorry we are sold out" with the typical qItalian shrug.
The second time, I attempted to book prior but there is no online booking option available on the website. So we turned up at around 13pm but the earliest available tickets were at 1630. I wish they'd told us to book in advance or give us information about the number we had to call to make the booking.
Just generally poor customer service. We've been on a little tour of seeing Francesco's frescos around the region but this place was least helpful. I don't think the staff there is really interested in showcasing the churches art and this attitude should be changed. Really disappointing and unpleasant experience.
The first time, we drove for an hour and got there 30min before closing time. We explained that we were on a limited time in Arezzo and just driven an hour. The response was "sorry we are sold out" with the typical qItalian shrug.
The second time, I attempted to book prior but there is no online booking option available on the website. So we turned up at around 13pm but the earliest available tickets were at 1630. I wish they'd told us to book in advance or give us information about the number we had to call to make the booking.
Just generally poor customer service. We've been on a little tour of seeing Francesco's frescos around the region but this place was least helpful. I don't think the staff there is really interested in showcasing the churches art and this attitude should be changed. Really disappointing and unpleasant experience.
Written 19 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra
Montelupo Fiorentino, Italy4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Bad impression
We had planned a visit to the antiques market in Arezzo and also take the opportunity to visit the frescoes by Piero della Francesca. Checking on the site to purchase tickets, we discovered that the first Sunday of the month was free and reservations were not required. Then looking at the timetables we saw that being a place of worship, the part with the frescoes could only be visited in the afternoon from 1pm to 6pm.
So after lunch we went to the church but to our disappointment we discovered that all the tickets for the whole day had already been released when it opened. Question: why is this method not clearly explained on the site and it only says "the distribution of tickets will take place by time slots until seats are filled"? We weren't the only ones in front of the church asking for explanations about the "sold out" already after lunch and what's more we were all scolded in a rude way by a rather rude employee.
It's really sad to see how our cultural heritage is managed!
We understand the need for a limited number of visitors, in order to preserve this work of art, but better management would be appreciated: perhaps delivering a certain number of free tickets every hour and not all together, so as to be able to also allow those arriving in afternoon to take advantage of it?
But above all it would be appreciated to find greater kindness and education in people in contact with the public.
We had planned a visit to the antiques market in Arezzo and also take the opportunity to visit the frescoes by Piero della Francesca. Checking on the site to purchase tickets, we discovered that the first Sunday of the month was free and reservations were not required. Then looking at the timetables we saw that being a place of worship, the part with the frescoes could only be visited in the afternoon from 1pm to 6pm.
So after lunch we went to the church but to our disappointment we discovered that all the tickets for the whole day had already been released when it opened. Question: why is this method not clearly explained on the site and it only says "the distribution of tickets will take place by time slots until seats are filled"? We weren't the only ones in front of the church asking for explanations about the "sold out" already after lunch and what's more we were all scolded in a rude way by a rather rude employee.
It's really sad to see how our cultural heritage is managed!
We understand the need for a limited number of visitors, in order to preserve this work of art, but better management would be appreciated: perhaps delivering a certain number of free tickets every hour and not all together, so as to be able to also allow those arriving in afternoon to take advantage of it?
But above all it would be appreciated to find greater kindness and education in people in contact with the public.
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
triptraveller
340 contributions
Jun 2023
Plan ahead : Neded are tickets to see Piero Della Francesca's frescoes of the Legend of True Cross.
A limited number of people are admitted for viewing at a given time - so you need a timed-ticket with a number. The viewing is worth getting the tickets !
The frescoes are a Masterpiecce ! Recommended is asking for the detailed flier with description of the sequence of the frescoes - at the office *before* entering the Bacci Chapel (with the frescoes).
A limited number of people are admitted for viewing at a given time - so you need a timed-ticket with a number. The viewing is worth getting the tickets !
The frescoes are a Masterpiecce ! Recommended is asking for the detailed flier with description of the sequence of the frescoes - at the office *before* entering the Bacci Chapel (with the frescoes).
Written 2 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antonella B
Province of Monza and Brianza, Italy17,861 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
Visit April 2023 - One of the places not to be missed on a visit to Arezzo is certainly the Basilica of San Francesco which, don't be fooled by the outside, has splendid works inside, first of all the Bacci Chapel with the splendid frescoes relating to the Legend of the True Cross by Piero della Francesca.
But let's go in order: the construction, by the Franciscan friars dates back to the 14th century except for the bell tower which was built later, the external façade is sober almost austere, the interior has a single nave rich in chapels and frescoes, but the one that attracting the majority of visitors is certainly the Bacci Chapel with the Legend of the True Cross which tells the story of the wood used to build the Cross on which Jesus was crucified with a pictorial cycle which has the Apocryphal Gospels as its primary source, the cycle is structured in three levels on the central and side walls of the chapel and does not follow a chronological order. In front of these wonderful frescoes we find, suspended over the altar, the Great Crucifix by the Master of San Francesco, a pupil of Cimabue, between the Chapel and the Cross, these alone are enough to amaze visitors.
There are also other noteworthy chapels, including the Tarlati Chapel with an Annunciation on a panel by Neri di Bicci, the Guasconi Chapel with San Michele Arcangelo by Spinello Aretino and the Chapel of the Fallen of the First World War. In addition to those mentioned there are other works, to be able to admire everything I recommend making the visit slowly, possibly at one of the first entrances, paid entry, possible cumulative ticket for the Arezzo museum circuit.
Absolutely not to be missed.
But let's go in order: the construction, by the Franciscan friars dates back to the 14th century except for the bell tower which was built later, the external façade is sober almost austere, the interior has a single nave rich in chapels and frescoes, but the one that attracting the majority of visitors is certainly the Bacci Chapel with the Legend of the True Cross which tells the story of the wood used to build the Cross on which Jesus was crucified with a pictorial cycle which has the Apocryphal Gospels as its primary source, the cycle is structured in three levels on the central and side walls of the chapel and does not follow a chronological order. In front of these wonderful frescoes we find, suspended over the altar, the Great Crucifix by the Master of San Francesco, a pupil of Cimabue, between the Chapel and the Cross, these alone are enough to amaze visitors.
There are also other noteworthy chapels, including the Tarlati Chapel with an Annunciation on a panel by Neri di Bicci, the Guasconi Chapel with San Michele Arcangelo by Spinello Aretino and the Chapel of the Fallen of the First World War. In addition to those mentioned there are other works, to be able to admire everything I recommend making the visit slowly, possibly at one of the first entrances, paid entry, possible cumulative ticket for the Arezzo museum circuit.
Absolutely not to be missed.
Written 12 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Francesco Maria Carducci
San Gemini, Italy696 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
The Church of San Francesco in Arezzo is in Gothic style, transformed into a museum as happens for other churches of the same kind, in other municipalities in central Italy.
As in the other cases, the church of Arezzo does not disappoint, indeed, far exceeds expectations, because when you come into contact with the sublime cycle of frescoes of the Stories of the True Cross by Piero della Francesca, you are aware that you are before a world masterpiece.
The cycle of frescoes, made between 1452 and 1466, entirely covers the three apse walls and the vault. Very beautiful is the scene of the visit of Queen Sheba in the presence of King Solomon of Israel, followed by her ladies.
Admission is allowed upon payment of a ticket, and the visit is absolutely recommended.
As in the other cases, the church of Arezzo does not disappoint, indeed, far exceeds expectations, because when you come into contact with the sublime cycle of frescoes of the Stories of the True Cross by Piero della Francesca, you are aware that you are before a world masterpiece.
The cycle of frescoes, made between 1452 and 1466, entirely covers the three apse walls and the vault. Very beautiful is the scene of the visit of Queen Sheba in the presence of King Solomon of Israel, followed by her ladies.
Admission is allowed upon payment of a ticket, and the visit is absolutely recommended.
Automatically translated
Written 26 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L0d0
London405 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Entry to these amazing frescoes requires a bit of planning. We got our hotel to ring up and book a slot.
If you just turn up on the day even in the autumn you are likely to be allocated a time an hour ahead
They also require some planning in terms of reading what they are about! The legend of the wood of the true cross isn’t something I had come across before. It was believed the wood of the cross originated from that tree in the garden of Eden, was identified by the Queen of Sheba and then fought after and return to Jerusalem. The Emperor Constantine then rediscovers it. There is a useful panel before you go in that explains what is what. Regardless it’s just beautiful to see this early renaissance art in the original place, recently cleaned and with so much detail. Piero’s understanding of maths means that his architectural drawings included here are splendid.
Well worth the effort to get in
If you just turn up on the day even in the autumn you are likely to be allocated a time an hour ahead
They also require some planning in terms of reading what they are about! The legend of the wood of the true cross isn’t something I had come across before. It was believed the wood of the cross originated from that tree in the garden of Eden, was identified by the Queen of Sheba and then fought after and return to Jerusalem. The Emperor Constantine then rediscovers it. There is a useful panel before you go in that explains what is what. Regardless it’s just beautiful to see this early renaissance art in the original place, recently cleaned and with so much detail. Piero’s understanding of maths means that his architectural drawings included here are splendid.
Well worth the effort to get in
Written 21 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑙𝑜 𝐷'𝐴𝑔𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑜 🇮🇹
Avezzano, Italy17,800 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
The simple external forms, in the Umbrian-Tuscan Gothic style, respond to the interiors rich in important works of art, often overshadowed by the cycle of frescoes by Piero della Francesca, an extraordinary testimony of Italian Renaissance painting. The single nave, flanked by fourteenth-century and Renaissance chapels and shrines, leads to the Bacci chapel, behind the main altar, where you can admire the scenes of the Legend of the True Cross, which Piero della Francesca made inspired by the Golden Legend of Jacopo da Varagine. The ticket office and entrance are located on the left side of the church, excessive the cost of the full ticket which is 9 euros. But we were lucky because that day, exceptionally, included a guided tour at fixed times. Very good boy who explained in detail the masterpieces of the church, in particular the frescoes by Piero della Francesca.
Automatically translated
Written 2 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveler
Paris, France38 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
I would like to highlight that an extra effort is request here. Face to magnificent Pietro Francesca crocific cycle it is important to define panels thatdescribe on cronological way the different frescos. Do we want to get better, do we want to expand to younger generations… do we want to satisfy curiosity??? Come on…
Written 23 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ALESSANDRO C
Rovigo, Italy137 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The cycle of frescoes by Piero della Francesca is breathtaking, but the entire church features more or less preserved frescoes. The Crucifix by Ignoto in front of the apse is also very suggestive. Book your visit online as access to the chapel is (rightly) strictly regulated.
Written 4 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Umberto D
Milan, Italy185 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Passing through Tuscany to go south, we decide on a very hot Sunday in July to divert a couple of hours towards Arezzo to pay homage to Piero della Francesca, unfortunately having no further time to visit the magnificent city centre. The church is artistically very important and Piero's frescoes are fabulous, but I agree with those who complain about the lack of valorisation of the site. We too would have liked to have enjoyed an explained guided tour, instead of settling for a simple brochure.
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Si soltanto senza flash, e senza l'uso del cavalletto.
Written 9 August 2020
How can I buy a reserved ticket to the Basilica of San Francesco Arezzo? Although I would be paying by PayPal, the website requests my social security number. I am not going to provide it over the Internet to avoid identity theft.
Is there any way to purchase a ticket in advance without providing the number?
Written 7 August 2016
ciao il biglietto l'ho puoi acquistare anche in loco
Written 22 August 2016
Showing results 1-4 of 4
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing