Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EASTERN TUSCANY
The eastern edge of Tuscany is beloved of local and international film directors, who have
immortalised its landscape, medieval hilltop towns and laid-back locals in a range of visu-
ally splendid films. Despite this, the region is strangely bereft of foreign tourists and so of-
fers uncrowded trails to those visitors who decide to devote a week or so to exploring them.
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Arezzo
POP 98,018
Arezzo may not be a Tuscan centrefold, but those parts of its historic centre that survived
merciless WWII bombings are as compelling as any destination in the region. The setting
for much of Roberto Benigni's Oscar-winning film
La vita รจ bella
(Life Is Beautiful), it's
well worth a visit.
Once an important Etruscan town, Arezzo was later absorbed into the Roman Empire. A
free republic as early as the 10th century, it supported the Ghibelline cause in the violent
battles between pope and emperor and was eventually subjugated by Florence in 1384.
Today, the city is known for its churches, museums and shopping - Arentini (residents of
Arezzo) flock to the huge antiques fair held in Piazza Grande on the first weekend of every
month, and love nothing more than combining the
passeggiata
with a spot of upmarket re-
tail therapy on Corso Italia.
