Arezzo
Arezzo is a city and comune in Tuscany, Italy, known for its rich history, art, and culture. Here are some key points about Arezzo:
History
- Etruscans founded Arezzo around the 9th century BC. The city was one of the twelve most important Etruscan cities (the Dodecapolis).
- It became a Roman city in 311 BC, known as Arretium, and was renowned for its pottery and terra sigillata.
- During the Middle Ages, Arezzo was a free commune and often engaged in conflicts with neighboring cities like Florence and Siena.
- The city came under Florentine rule in 1384 after a series of wars, which influenced its development but also led to a decline in its autonomy.
Art and Architecture
- Piero della Francesca, a key figure of the Italian Renaissance, painted "The Legend of the True Cross" in the Basilica of San Francesco in Arezzo.
- The Piazza Grande is one of the most famous squares in Arezzo, known for its medieval architecture and the Giostra del Saracino, a traditional jousting tournament.
- Chimera of Arezzo, an Etruscan bronze sculpture from the 4th century BC, is one of the most celebrated artifacts from the city, now housed in the Archaeological Museum of Florence.
Culture and Events
- The Giostra del Saracino is a traditional jousting tournament held annually in Arezzo, where knights from four neighborhoods compete.
- Arezzo is also known for its Antique Fair, one of the largest in Italy, held on the first Sunday of each month.
- The city has a rich tradition of music, with the Arezzo Wave music festival being a significant event in the Italian music scene.
Economy
- Historically, Arezzo was known for its gold jewelry industry, which remains significant today.
- Agriculture, particularly the production of Chianti wine, also plays a crucial role in the local economy.
Notable People
- Petrarch, the Italian poet and scholar, was born in Arezzo in 1304.
- Guido d'Arezzo, a music theorist known for his contribution to musical notation, lived in the city.
External Links
Related Topics