Enjoy Arezzo’s timeless charm, medieval streets, and rich artistic heritage.

Located just an hour southeast of Florence in Tuscany, Arezzo is a charming town worth visiting. Arezzo is compact, making it easy to explore its main attractions in a day, all while avoiding the crowds typically found in larger Italian cities. The town is renowned for its rich art heritage, antique shops, medieval architecture, and picturesque narrow streets.

Piazza Grande

Piazza Grande is the heart of Arezzo, a square brimming with history. Surrounded by significant landmarks, it features the Vasari Loggia and the back of the Santa Maria della Pieve church, with its medieval façade. The Museum of Fraternita dei Laici, with its distinctive clock tower, also borders the square.

Piazza Grande gained international fame as a filming location for the 1997 movie Life is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni. Each year, Piazza Grande hosts the Giostra del Saracino, Arezzo’s historic jousting tournament, which takes place in June and September. During these events, the square is transformed into a lively medieval arena, complete with colorful banners, costumed participants, and the sounds of drums and cheering crowds.

The Palace of Fraternita dei Laici

Located in Piazza Grande, next to Santa Maria della Pieve, the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici is a must-visit landmark. The building’s exterior is adorned with beautiful sculptures, including the Madonna della Misericordia and statues of Pope Blessed Gregory X and Saint Donatus, all created by the renowned artist Bernardo Rossellino.

Built in the 14th century, the palace originally served as the headquarters of the Fraternita dei Laici, a lay brotherhood dedicated to providing charitable support to the people of Arezzo.

Inside, you’ll find the Museum of the Fraternita, home to an impressive collection of over 6,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and antique furnishings. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the iconic clock tower, which offers stunning views over Piazza Grande and the surrounding area.

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The clock tower

The Clock Tower is located in Piazza Grande, within the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici. Over the centuries, the tower has undergone several restorations, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the clock continues to keep accurate time, preserving its original charm.

Tip: For a fantastic photo opportunity of Piazza Grande, climb the Clock Tower in the afternoon when the sun will be behind you, providing optimal lighting for your shot.

Santa Maria della Pieve

Featuring a 12th-century arched façade, the Romanesque church of Santa Maria della Pieve is must-see in Arezzo. As one of the city’s most important historical and architectural landmarks, it captures the essence of medieval design.

Rising above the town, the church’s bell tower is famously known as the “Tower of a Hundred Holes” due to its 40 windows. Inside, the church is divided into three naves and also features a crypt. Notable works of art within include the Polyptych by Pietro Lorenzetti, as well as the Reliquary Bust of Saint Donatus, created by Pietro Vanni and Paolo Ghiselli.

Arezzo Cathedral

Despite its austere exterior, Arezzo Cathedral is home to several artistic treasures and significant religious relics. The façade, designed by Dante Viviani, features sculptural decorations by Giuseppe Cassioli, Enrico Quattrini, and Viviani himself.

Inside the cathedral, you’ll find a portrait of Maddalena by Piero della Francesca, as well as 15th-century stained-glass windows and a Gothic altarpiece that forms the tomb of Saint Donatus. Dating back to the 13th century, Arezzo Cathedral offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich history and artistic heritage.

Parco il Prato

Parco Il Prato in Arezzo is a charming park located just outside the historic city center, offering stunning views of the rolling Tuscan hills. Inside the park, you’ll find notable landmarks such as the 19th-century Teatro Petrarca and the iconic “Fountain of the Three Rivers.” Whether you’re seeking a peaceful spot to unwind or simply want to soak in the breathtaking scenery, this park is the perfect retreat.

Parco della Fortezza Medicea

Among the most notable parks in Arezzo is Parco della Fortezza Medicea, a peaceful oasis just a short distance from the historic center. Surrounded by the impressive 16th-century Fortezza Medicea, which once served as a military stronghold, the park offers stunning views of the rolling hills of Tuscany—perfect for a memorable photo opportunity.

Don’t miss the chance to explore its beautifully landscaped gardens and scenic walking paths. If you’re in the mood for relaxation, bring a picnic and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of this charming green space.

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A mini-Colosseum worth visiting – get your camera ready.

The Teatro di Marcello was an ancient open-air theatre in Rome, and was one of the empire’s largest entertainment venues holding up to 20,000 spectators. Today, tourists visit the outside structure of the Teatro di Marcellous which offers a glimpse of the grandeur of Ancient Rome.

There are several posts with information next to the surrounding attractions which gives you the chance to learn about the history of this magnificent place.

The Teatro di Marcello is not the Colosseum!

It’s easy for tourists to confuse the Teatro di Marcello with the Colosseum. But there are some major differences.

• The Teatro di Marcello was built almost a century before the Colosseum.
• The Colosseum amphitheater forms a complete circle while the Teatro di Marcello is the typical semicircle seen through the ancient world.
• The Colosseum is much larger, holding more than double the spectators.

The Teatro di Marcello was originally planned to be developed by Julius Cesar. Since ancient times, the spot was planned for stage performances, and developing a formal structure was part of Cesar’s to improve public life after years of political turmoil.

The construction of the temple was resumed after Augustus took power and was crowned the first Roman emperor. In 17 BC, the building was already partially completed and used for the celebration of the ludi saeculares; however the building was not to be completed until several years later – either 13 or 11 BC.

Unfortunately, the Teatro di Marcello’s third tier was lost in Medieval reconstruction, but you can still see the classic ornamental Doric and Ionic columns on the lower tiers. Given that you can only experience the Teatro di Marcello from outside, make sure you wear sun protection – the sun can be brutal in Rome during the summer months. Also, I would plan to visit in the early morning or late afternoon.

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Other attractions worth visiting

Portico d’Ottavia: Also worth seeing is the Porticus Octaviae (Portico d’Ottavia) which is located close to the Teatro di Marcello. Built in by Augustus in 27 BC, it aimed to enclose the temples of Jupiter Stator and Juno Regina. This structure was damaged through the centuries enduring both fires and earthquakes. In the Middle Ages, a fish market and a church were built on the ruins of the Portico d’Ottavia.

The Temple of Apollo: The Temple of Apollo was originally built in 431 BC, just as the Republic began to have ambitions beyond its regional boarders, and has been rebuilt several times since. Built to honor the god of prophecy, healing, and the arts in both the Greek and Roman worlds, the temple was a key element of the city’s landscape.

In fact, it was the only temple dedicated to the god until imperial times. There are 3 white Corinthian columns which were re-erected in the 1940’s that you can observe today; these columns form the now iconic image of the temple. As a temple to Apollo, the site itself has had as many names as the god himself, previously known as the Apollinar (“That which belongs to Apollo”) and the temple of Apollo Medicus (as the god was heavily associated with medical miracles).

How to get to the Teatro di Marcello

The theater can be found on Via del Teatro di Marcello. The Teatro di Marcello is located near the banks of the Tiber River and east of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto through the Portico d’Ottavia. You can access it via the metro stop Colosseo.

Visiting the Teatro di Marcello is a great opportunity to visit other nearby attractions:

• Capitoline Hill – 13-minute walk
• Piazza del Campidoglio – 13-minute walk
• Monument to Victor Emmanuel II – 12-minute walk
• Colosseum -25-minute walk
• Foro Romano – 15-minute walk
• Jewish Ghetto – 7-minute walk
• Largo di Torre Argentina – 12-minute walk

Admission fee

Surprisingly, there is no admission fee to visit the Teatro di Marcello, finally a budget-friendly place to visit in Rome!

Concerts at the Teatro di Marcello

From June until early October you can attend classical music concerts by the ruins of Teatro Marcello. Both emerging as well as established artists will perform at this location. You’ll have an architectural marvel as a backdrop that you won’t forget!

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Siena is a charming medieval city nestled in the hills of Tuscany, Italy. Surrounded by a 1,000-year-old fortified wall and with a World Heritage UNESCO historic center in the heart of the city, Siena is a city worth visiting. Because of its convenient central location, Siena is a great place to use as a home base for an adventure in Tuscany – ideal for many day trips to other towns in the region.

There are plenty of things to do in Siena. From walking the city’s hills which offer magnificent views all around, to visiting il Duomo the Piazza de Campo, known for hosting the majestic Palio horserace. And don’t forget to enjoy panoramic views from Sienna’s iconic Torre del Mangia!

Below is a compilation of photos we took during our trip to Siena which we really hope will encourage you to make a trip to this beautiful and incredible city. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

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A photo journey of the Eternal City.

CASTEL SANT’ANGELO

Located only a short walk away from Vatican City the Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family. As the eras of Rome’s history, so did the Castel: it became a fortress, a prison, a castle and is now a museum.

Wander through its ancient walls, see the passages and former prisons and visit the papal apartments and halls. For the best views, head to the terrace and get your camera ready to photograph splendid views over Rome. Make sure to look up towards the statue of St. Michael the Archangel for a cool perspective.

FONTANA DI TREVI

The Fontana di Trevi must be among the most stunning examples of Baroque architecture in the world. If you watched Fellini’s film La Dolce Vita you will recognize the Trevi Fountain as one of the settings where the movie was filmed.

For a very nice photo op, head to the second floor of Benetton (located across the Fountain) where you will be able to photograph the Fontana di Trevi from one of the store windows (there are a few and there are always people taking selfies, so wait for your turn!).

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THE PANTHEON

Functioning as a chapel today, the Pantheon is one of the oldest buildings in the city and without a doubt, an architectural wonder worth visiting. It is a 2000-year-old temple whose original purpose was to honor the seven planetary deities.

The best feature of this building is the oculus, the circular window on top of the dome and the only source of light. Raphael, the famous Renaissance painter, is buried inside the Pantheon and next to him is his fiancée, Maria Bibbiena.

ST PETER’S BASILICA

St Peter’s Basilica took 150 years to rebuild and is the largest church in the world. Head inside the Basilica (is free to visit) and take a good look at Michelangelo’s Pietà statue, Bernini’s statue of St Longinus and Saint Peter’s chair.

For amazing views of the city, head to the top of the dome (you will need to pay for a ticket) by climbing 551 steps or 320 if you pay for the elevator. Make sure to visit the Papal Museum as you will find treasures from all of Italy’s lively history.

TRASTEVERE

Located on the opposite bank of the Tiber, you can find the colorful and vibrant neighborhood of Trastevere. I recommend you head to Trastevere at night, when it comes alive with and tourists are looking to get a taste of Rome’s pizza and pasta.

Trastevere will give you tons of opportunities to take photos of its narrow alleyways, medieval houses, churches, along with the classic colorful and ivy-clad facades of the buildings.

SPANISH STEPS

Located right in the heart of Rome, the Spanish Steps are the steps that lead from Piazza di Spagna to the Trinita dei Monti, a French monastery church, are among the most famous stairs in the world.

The Spanish Steps were built between 1723 and 1726 in Rococo style. There are 135 steps with three terraces, which refer to the Holy Trinity. Along the steps, you will find the Keats-Shelly apartment – yes, the famous author of Frankenstein and her equally famous poet husband lived in this prime location. You can visit and take a picture from one of the windows to give you a different angle of the iconic area.

This is a great place to watch people go by. A word of caution though – in 2019 a new law was introduce that bans people from sitting on the Spanish Steps to protect them from being damaged. Official fines can reach 400 euros.

PIAZZA DELLA TRINITÀ DEI MONTI

Located at the top of the Spanish steps, the Piazza della Trinità dei Monti is notable for the amazing views over the city. Next to the square, you can find the Trinita dei Monti church which was maintained by France for centuries. Go inside to take a look at the artworks by Renaissance artists Daniele da Volterra, Federico Zuccari, and Giambattista Naldini.

TEMPLE OF HADRIAN

Located close to the Pantheon at the at Piazza di Pietra, the Temple of Hadrian was built by Antoninus Pius in 145 and dedicated to the emperor Hadrian. Of the original temple, only one row of eleven columns is still visible today. Nowadays, the building is home to the Borsa Valori di Roma, Rome’s stock exchange.

CHURCH OF ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA

The Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola was dedicated to Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit Order. It is located on Via della Caravita – about halfway between the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Pay attention to the markers on the floor inside which indicate the best spots to stand to appreciate the ceiling’s optical illusions. Put yourself in the line to appreciate the magnificent ceiling frescoes through a mirror that magnifies the paintings.

ALTAR OF THE FATHERLAND

Located walking distance of the Roman Forum and the Capitoline Museums, the Altar of the Fatherland is a great place to appreciate 360 views over Rome. You have two options. If you don’t want to pay to see the view you can go up and walk around the terrace next to the café. If you prefer to go higher up, get a ticket (it also covers the entrance of the museum) and ride the elevator. I was there in the morning and unfortunately the photo towards the Colosseum was ruined because of the sun. But I did get a nice photo of Teatro Marcello.

LARGO DI TORRE ARGENTINA

Largo di Torre Argentina is an archaeological zone and is considered among the most important ancient historical sites in the city. This is the ancient Roman Senate building where Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March. Today, you can walk among the stunning remains and look at the ruins of four temples dating from the Roman Republican era which are referred as Temple A, B, C, and D respectively. Alteranteveli, if you want to pay for the ticket (5 euros as of 2023) you can still view the temples from any of the streets that ring Largo Argentina.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is a great place to sit, drink a cup of coffee and watch people go by – something the citizens of Rome have been doing since its construction (Caravaggio was famous for enjoying the Piazza). There are plenty of things to see at this famous square, including the Fountain of Neptune, the Four Rivers and the Moor as well as the church of Sant’Agnesse in Agone.

TEATRO MARCELLO

Formerly an open-air theatre capable of holding between 11,000 and 20,000 spectators, Teatro Marcello, is also known as the Jewish Colosseum for its resemblance to the original Colosseum. At this theatre, locals and visitors alike were invited to watch performances of drama. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to go inside the theater, but you can still view the outside up close.

THE COLOSSEUM

By far, the Colosseum is Rome’s must-see ancient monument – this is why more than 7 million people visit it every year. Here is where gladiators engaged in combat and prisoners were forced to fight wild beasts in front a huge crowd (The Colosseum had space for 50,000 seats). Aside from this, the Colosseum also hosted dramas, reenactments, and public executions.

Because of its popularity, the Colosseum is notorious for the long lines. Therefore I highly recommend you purchase the tickets in advance.

ROMAN FORUM

The Roman Forum used to be the political, religious and social center of ancient Rome. The Roman Forum was the scene of public meetings, law courts, and gladiatorial combats and had also shops and open-air markets. Take sometime to wander through the ruins including the Tempio dei Dioscuri, the Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustin and the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine.

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Located on the Tiber River and only a short stroll from Vatican City, the stunning Castel Sant’ Angelo is an iconic monument to the city’s rich history. The Castel Sant’ Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 130, lending to its alternative name of the Mausoleum of Hadrian, then later converted into a papal fortress, a prison, a private residence and finally a national museum.

The current name, Castel Sant’ Angelo, is derived from a medieval legend; in 590 the Archangel Michael appeared to Pope Gregory the Great, while he was isolated in the fortress as a plague savaged Rome. To the Pope’s delight, St. Michael announced the end of a plague.

At the Castel Sant’ Angelo you can discover Roman history, explore passages, papal apartments and quarters, admire an impressive collection of sculptures, weapons and, best of all, frescoes from the Renaissance period.

And before you leave, don’t forget to spend some time wandering around the castle’s terrace which offers magnificent views across Rome.

Below, we have compiled some of our favorite photos of Castel Sant’ Angelo to give you a flavor of what you can expect while visiting this amazing place.

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I highly recommend you get your tickets in advance so you don’t need to wait in line for a long time. Below are some recommendations for your consideration.

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