Arezzo – Fall in love with History and marry Architecture

The Porta di San Lorentino, a wall built by the Medicis dynasty in the 16th century to give access to the commercial center of Arezzo, is permanently open, even if films depicting medieval history make us think that some King will order it closed as soon as they see a group of backpackers. That door gives access to life, with numerous hotels, taverns and points for exchanging goods between travelers.

The medieval cities in this part of Italy – Cortona, Montone, Orvieto and Castiglione del Lago – are enclosed in fortresses and, in the past, their doors remained closed to guarantee the safety of them and their inhabitants. Something that contrasts with the present in which current doors are open to souls, dreams and experiences.

Arezzo is the capital of the province with the same name, located in the Tuscany region, 80km south of Florence in Italy and surrounded by rural communes where nature and history come together. It was once known as the city of gold and high fashion. Its approximately 97,000 inhabitants have the opportunity to live on a real mountain top hanging 293 meters above sea level.

The altitude also manifests itself in the spirit of its inhabitants and visitors who have the opportunity to experience History beyond the narrative. The centuries that passed “under the sun” witnessed the occupation of the city by Greeks, Romans and French, leaving their marks on various material objects, especially architecture. It became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860 and its buildings survived German attacks in July 1944 during the Second World War.

When everything seems to be falling apart and the world is losing its way, there is Arezzo, telling us that the resurrection of Christ can be a metaphor to warn us that there are no definitive falls and that all wars have not been able to end with humanity.

The Arno River runs through this and other cities in central Italy, and can be enjoyed while drinking a variety of coffees and delicious wines from the top of the city. The Medicis hosted their textile and associated art business in the city, and their legacy and influence are visible everywhere. When I took the train to Arezzo from Termini station in Rome, the song by Nicola Piovani, which was the soundtrack for the film La vita é bella by Roberto Benigni, filmed in the same city, was already playing inside the locomotive. The film won the Oscar Award in 1999 in seven categories, Best Actor, Best Original Score, Best International Film, Best Film, Best Direction, Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing.

A beautiful life  is what one certainly lives when one has the opportunity to relive the renaissance and be at the same time in the land of artists like Michelangelo and poets like Francesco Petrarca, the man who perfected the sonnet, the poem composed of two quatrains and two triplets.

Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, bringing together cities such as Florence, the most famous, Chianti, Siena, Pisa and Arezzo. The latter is the least visited, despite its charm, unique landscapes, rich history and delicious cuisine. There are also a countless number of small villages that provide a unique eco-tourism experience.

The Church of São Francisco is one of the main attractions for curious people and travelers. The late-medieval building whose construction began in 1290 and whose facade was never finished is the ideal spot for selfies. It takes a lot of prowess to be able to say who we are through photographic art. The interior of the Church is spacious and simple, with a large single nave, flanked on the left side by some chapels and, on the right side, by niches. The reader can imagine that I feel like a true pilgrim in search of peace and tranquility of the soul.

▶ How to get there?

From Maputo you can fly with LAM to Lisbon and from there take a connecting flight to Fiumicino and Ciampino airports in Rome. In the City of Rome, take the train to Arezzo. But there are other options, such as visiting the cities of Florence or Pisa and taking the train or bus from there.

▶ Where to stay?

The city offers a variety of hotels, including the Agriturismo, B&B Hotel Arezzo and Hotel Minerva, which are relatively affordable for those saving in meticals, and luxurious hotels such as Rezidenza Paradisea and Graziella Patio Hotel. There are also RB&B options.

▶ Where to eat?

Italy is famous for its gastronomy and there is always a restaurant easy to locate in every corner of the country. There are several options, including taverns, pastry shops and restaurants such as Antica Fonte, La Bodega de Gnicche and Brasserie Del Vicolo.

▶ What to do?

In a historic city, tours are without a doubt one of the greatest experiences, and can be done in groups or individually. However, cycling or taking bicycle tours through the slopes of Tuscany is one of the most memorable experiences. The city also hosts traditional festivals and culinary experiences that you can enjoy when visiting. You can also taste wines in Montepulciano and visit nearby cities such as Umbria, Cortona, Orvieto and Perugia.

Edição 82 JAN/FEV| Download.