Piazza Grande
Piazza Grande
4.5
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The spacious and lovely main square features the Town Hall, which dates back to the 6th century.
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4.5
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Connector61757924260
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
We returned to Arezzo for the Immaculate Conception weekend. The city is always beautiful, it has a particular and evocative charm. We only saw the Christmas markets for a short time because the amount of people was so excessive that we didn't have the chance to get close to the display huts. Big disappointment for the Lego Brick House. Too expensive for what there is to see. Furthermore, in the children's workshop, they give out baskets with lots of Lego bricks placed at random. It is impossible to build the slightest thing. After a short time the children get bored and want to leave. We didn't see Santa's house. We didn't have a reservation but like many other people we lined up. We were told that access was granted to only one parent with children. And that's what we did. Too bad that this rule wasn't the same for everyone and when I tried to point it out, one of the 2 people managing the queue responded really badly to the point of leaving. Of course, my daughter's desperate cries followed. Really rude and offensive and that's all I'll say! Would I go back? Not even!
Written 10 December 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.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom11,216 contributions
May 2022
Piazza Grande is the best place to start when exploring the ancient town of Arezzo.
It’s centrally located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by medieval and Renaissance buildings. If, like us, you only have a short stop in Arezzo, then head straight here.
What is instantly striking about the piazza is the trapezoidal shape and the unusually steep slope. If you stood at the top and let go of a soccer ball, it would run all the way down to the bottom.
Running the length of the high side is the very elegant Logge del Vasari. Designed in 1572 by Giorgio Vasari (who also designed the Uffizi in Florence), it is a long, arched walkway where once only the better class of citizen was allowed to stroll along. Today there are several cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating under the vaulted arches.
The other highlight is the 11th century church, Santa Maria della Pieve. However it is only the apse, or back of the church, that you are looking at. To go inside and see the shrines, altars and crypt, you’ll need to leave the piazza and walk right around to the other side.
The best thing about the piazza is that if you stand in the centre and turn slowly around on the spot, you can cast your eye over centuries and centuries of history. The piazza’s earliest buildings date back to around 1200. It was much modified during the 16th century when the loggia was added.
Starting from the loggia and turning clockwise, you see the 13th century Lappoli family tower-house first, then the Palazzo Cofani-Brizzolari and the Fagiolana tower. Next is the Santa Maria della Pieve apse and, beside it, the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici with its distinctive bell tower with very rare astronomical clock.
There are several other minor points of interest, that include a small fountain, a well and the curious column, known as the ‘Infamous Petrone’ where public announcements could be posted. More often, prisoners and debtors were tied here and subjected to public scorn and ridicule as a punishment.
Many of Arezzo’s main sights are within close walking distance from here. A discreet set of stairs in the middle of the loggia will lead up to a garden park, Parco del Praticino, and the Passeggio del Prato. If we’d had more time, we’d have wandered up to have a look.
It’s centrally located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by medieval and Renaissance buildings. If, like us, you only have a short stop in Arezzo, then head straight here.
What is instantly striking about the piazza is the trapezoidal shape and the unusually steep slope. If you stood at the top and let go of a soccer ball, it would run all the way down to the bottom.
Running the length of the high side is the very elegant Logge del Vasari. Designed in 1572 by Giorgio Vasari (who also designed the Uffizi in Florence), it is a long, arched walkway where once only the better class of citizen was allowed to stroll along. Today there are several cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating under the vaulted arches.
The other highlight is the 11th century church, Santa Maria della Pieve. However it is only the apse, or back of the church, that you are looking at. To go inside and see the shrines, altars and crypt, you’ll need to leave the piazza and walk right around to the other side.
The best thing about the piazza is that if you stand in the centre and turn slowly around on the spot, you can cast your eye over centuries and centuries of history. The piazza’s earliest buildings date back to around 1200. It was much modified during the 16th century when the loggia was added.
Starting from the loggia and turning clockwise, you see the 13th century Lappoli family tower-house first, then the Palazzo Cofani-Brizzolari and the Fagiolana tower. Next is the Santa Maria della Pieve apse and, beside it, the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici with its distinctive bell tower with very rare astronomical clock.
There are several other minor points of interest, that include a small fountain, a well and the curious column, known as the ‘Infamous Petrone’ where public announcements could be posted. More often, prisoners and debtors were tied here and subjected to public scorn and ridicule as a punishment.
Many of Arezzo’s main sights are within close walking distance from here. A discreet set of stairs in the middle of the loggia will lead up to a garden park, Parco del Praticino, and the Passeggio del Prato. If we’d had more time, we’d have wandered up to have a look.
Written 22 November 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.
Cesario B.
Livorno, Italy725 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
The square is beautiful with all the lights on the buildings, and with the Tyrolean market that extends over almost its entire surface. There are different types of stalls, from the sale of typical food products, clothing, Christmas gadgets, most of which are handmade, and much more.
Everything was beautiful, the only flaw was that at 8.30pm, some stalls were already closed and others were preparing to do so.
Probably because, being during the week and not on the weekend, it was expected to close early.
This does not take away from the fact that they are beautiful to look at, but at the same time, I expected that, being a typical attraction, they would be able to find them open at least until 11.00 pm, given that at 8.30 pm, we find ourselves in full working hours dinner, and with all the food stalls present, it seems strange to see them closed at that time.
However, despite everything, I recommend a visit, if possible during the week, as I did, thus avoiding encountering huge crowds and kilometre-long queues.
Everything was beautiful, the only flaw was that at 8.30pm, some stalls were already closed and others were preparing to do so.
Probably because, being during the week and not on the weekend, it was expected to close early.
This does not take away from the fact that they are beautiful to look at, but at the same time, I expected that, being a typical attraction, they would be able to find them open at least until 11.00 pm, given that at 8.30 pm, we find ourselves in full working hours dinner, and with all the food stalls present, it seems strange to see them closed at that time.
However, despite everything, I recommend a visit, if possible during the week, as I did, thus avoiding encountering huge crowds and kilometre-long queues.
Written 24 December 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.
Alessio ed Elisa
Pistoia, Italy215 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We visited Piazza Grande in Arezzo the week before Christmas to go and see the markets.
Very beautiful lighting and elegant decorations that capture the sight of those who observe them.
Very difficult to find a parking space obviously outside the historic center due to the very crowded place.
Very beautiful lighting and elegant decorations that capture the sight of those who observe them.
Very difficult to find a parking space obviously outside the historic center due to the very crowded place.
Written 18 December 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.
Stefano91
Milan, Italy92,669 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
A very beautiful square, certainly the main one in the city.
It has an irregular shape and is inclined, perhaps to prevent the rain from pooling.
There are no symbolic buildings of religious or civil power overlooking it, but the main city events take place there, including the famous Giostra del Saracino.
In early December the facades of the beautiful surrounding medieval and Renaissance buildings were already completely illuminated by projected Christmas lights.
It has an irregular shape and is inclined, perhaps to prevent the rain from pooling.
There are no symbolic buildings of religious or civil power overlooking it, but the main city events take place there, including the famous Giostra del Saracino.
In early December the facades of the beautiful surrounding medieval and Renaissance buildings were already completely illuminated by projected Christmas lights.
Written 25 January 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.
mome68
La Spezia, Italy145 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Spectacular. Square full of charm and which takes you directly back to the Middle Ages. The beauty of the buildings that surround it, the slope of the square and the portico with Vasari's loggia make it very suggestive and transport you directly to another era. It's a shame to have seen it when there were workers dismantling the installations for the Saracen carousel but it was a reason to include it in the places to be seen again.
Written 9 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.
LongDream
182 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Beautiful, evocative, certainly made more fascinating by the Christmas lights and decorations, including the markets. In fact, during the Christmas period, strong-impact themed lights are projected onto the facades of the surrounding buildings. The adjacent porticoes are also beautiful and host many interesting restaurants.
Written 4 January 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.
Coccinella
3 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We were today December 8th at the Christmas village held in Arezzo... I really liked how they managed the event because it takes place in various squares and you can see and get to know the town and the surrounding shops well... but I have to make a note on food that they offer in the Tyrolean markets I understand that on December 8th there may be a lot of people but the quality of the food is truly disappointing... polenta with mushrooms and cheese you pay 10 euros but with a touch of oil after a while it disgusts you the vin broule tasted spirited …. The counter where they sell all the various types of pretzels 3 10 euros they were two days old dry as hell we took 6 only two were saved... and let's talk about Tyrolean sweets we bought two walnut sweets and 1 Lines 10 euros Well what can I say they seemed to have come out of the ice but they were good guys.... Total rating guys, be more careful, it takes very little to have slightly higher quality products, could it be a coincidence? But in one day so many events and various refreshment points seems strange to me
Written 8 December 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.
Biagio437
Cecina, Italy58 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Irregular, picturesque, particular square. Saracen Giostra Theatre. It is surrounded by buildings, towers; on the west side the Palazzo della fraternita stands out while on the long side the Palazzo a Logge by Vasari stands out
Written 25 February 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.
Cristina
45 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
In my opinion, a beautiful town, full of clubs, restaurants and shops. Lively. But the Tyrolean village in December is something uncommentable. Exorbitant prices for dishes that have nothing to do with Tyrol and its surroundings! Three dumplings (10€) Tyrolean sandwich with cheese and ham (8€) piece of Sacher cake (5€) hot chocolate (4€)....but have you ever been to the South Tyrolean markets????? Anyone who has been there will understand me. Quality of food?? But do they really think that dumplings or sascher are made that way? So bait stalls for tourists
Written 18 December 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.
Dove è meglio parcheggiare per vedere il mercatino Tirolese la domenica?
Written 17 November 2018
Il parcheggio Petri rimane il migliore Perché arrivi ai mercatini tirolesi accedendo alle scale mobili che ti portano direttamente al duomo dove quest'anno è stata allestita una ruota panoramica per osservare Arezzo dall'alto, oppure il parcheggio Cadorna o il parcheggio dell'Arena Eden e arriverai ai mercatini attraversando il bellissimo corso Italia
Written 20 November 2018
Ciao vorrei venire ad Arezzo a Capodanno, i mercatini ci saranno ancora per allora?? O vengono rimossi prima??
Written 26 August 2018
In verità è tradizione che smobilitano dopo Natale ma ci sono ipotesi di convivenza residuale fino all'epifania. Giusto valutare in novembre tramite ASCOM Arezzo che gestisce il calendario. Il primo sabato e domenica di gennaio ci sarà la consueta FIERA ANTIQUARIA mensile.
Written 8 September 2018
I'm looking for a shop that was in Piazza Grande. She had a table of antique botanical originals. Except for this table, it was mostly a souvenir shop and it was the second shop in from a corner. I'm so sorry I didn't buy a few of these antique botanical originals. Can someone help me contact this shop owner or tell me the name of the shop.
Written 25 September 2017
I am sorry. I do not know. Did u try Google earth?
Written 30 September 2017
Where's the best place to park for the piazza?
Written 9 May 2017
The closest parking is Parcheggio Pietri. From there start a series of escalator that allow you to reach easily the city center.
Written 14 May 2017
Hola estare en Florencia 4 dias en Agosto proximo y no queremeos perder la oportunidad de visitar Pisa y Arezzo, es factible hacer visitas por un dia?, es facil el accesos a Pisa y Arezzo? , como es el transporte a estas 2 ciudades?, muchas gracias por sus respuestas!!!!
Written 6 June 2015
Ciao, da Firenze puoi sei circa ad 80km da Pisa ed 80 da Arezzo, ripeto circa, quindi considerai un ora in macchina. Il treno che puoi tranquillamente prendere a Firenze ti puo portare in entrambi le citta , dove la stazione non dista molto dal centro.
Il problema forse è che hai tanti posti interessanti da visitare ed un giorno e troppo poco.
Ciao
Written 23 June 2015
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