Blog

Piero della Francesca in Arezzo: an Itinerary to discover the Master’s Works

Piero di Benedetto de’ Franceschi, more commonly known as Piero della Francesca, was one of the most important exponents of the Italian Renaissance and humanist painting of the time. Also famous for his excellent mathematical and geometric skills, he brought a profound innovation to painting and therefore to art in general: perspective, an artistic style that then spread widely among the various painters of the time. The themes of his works range from those of a theological nature to philosophical and civil ones. One of the most beautiful itineraries that allows us to appreciate his beautiful works is found in Arezzo and its neighboring provinces: you can start from Arezzo and then continue east in the direction of Sansepolcro. It is no coincidence that the area around Arezzo is called “Terre di Piero”, precisely because the citizens of these lands feel inextricably linked to the artist.

The Legend of the True Cross

One of the artist’s most important masterpieces is kept in the Cappella Maggiore of San Francesco, where we find frescoes that narrate the “Legend of the True Cross“, the story of Adam, who on his deathbed sent his son to the Archangel Michael, the who gave him some seeds to put in his father’s mouth at the time of burial.

A tree grew on Adam’s tomb, which however was cut to pieces by King Solomon and its wood thrown into a river to build a bridge: the Queen of Sheba who passed over the bridge knelt in adoration prophesying that the wood of this bridge would was the same as the cross that allegedly crucified Jesus.

Another characteristic stop to experience in Arezzo is located in the small village of Monterchi, where we find a beautiful portrait called “La Madonna del Parto”, depicting Mary pregnant, magnificently created by Piero in just seven days of work; the beauty of the painting lies, not only in the beauty of the characters, but also in the precision of the perspective, enhanced by the use of geometric equations and the inverted colors on the angels.

The artistic masterpiece: The Resurrection

A further stage in the wonderful artistic world of the painter is certainly in Sansepolcro where, in the Civic Museum, the beautiful fresco “The Resurrection” is kept, which represents Christ resurrecting from the dead right in front of the Roman soldiers who, however, were sleeping at that moment.

The fresco was ardently desired by the magistrates of the city and was saved by the English artillery officer Tony Clarke who decided not to raze Sansepolcro to the ground because it was said that this city housed one of the most important works in the world, the Resurrection in the case in point.

In short, although there were, in the beautiful Tuscany region, painters such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, Donatello who achieved timeless international fame, the artist Piero della Francesca helped pay homage to lesser-known cities such as Arezzo which today has become a evocative that houses the great treasures of the world and Italian art scene.

Don’t waste any more time: you need to visit these beautiful masterpieces!

Quick Booking snippet


  • Arrival Date:

  • Nights:

  • Rooms:

  • Adults:

  • Children:

Tuscany and Cinema: the films that have told this land

The beauty of the landscapes and villages of Tuscany has captivated the world of cinema, which has chosen these places as settings for numerous films. The list of films shot in Tuscany is extremely long, and many of them stand out as perfect backdrops for unforgettable stories. We have selected a few that you shouldn’t […]

Tripe and Lampredotto: What they are and how to cook them

Tripe and Lampredotto are two very special Italian culinary specialties as they come from bovine offal. Both are part of the Tuscan gastronomic tradition but Lampredotto, a true institution, is the master in Florence. Let’s see together what Tripe and Lampredotto are and what are the best recipes for cooking them.

Visit Florence: Itinerary for the San Lorenzo Neighborhood

San Lorenzo is one of the most characteristic and typical neighborhoods in Florence, located in a central area of the city, between the Cathedral and the Fortezza da Basso. Taking a walk through the ancient streets of this wonderful neighborhood can only start by visiting Piazza San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels, and then walking […]

The 10 things to see in Calenzano

Tuscany is a land rich in ancient villages of incredible beauty and charm. For example, a few kilometers from Florence rises Calenzano, a town rich of ancient treasures. Discover with us what are the 10 things to see in Calenzano!

Wine and Olive Oil Routes in Tuscany

Tuscany is a region that has elevated culinary art to a higher level. With its Wine, Olive Oil, and Flavors Routes, it offers not only a unique tasting experience but also a series of itineraries that allow you to explore the enogastronomic culture of this land. In this article, we will guide you through these […]

The Potato Bread of Garfagnana

The Potato Bread of Garfagnana is an ancient specialty from Tuscany, more precisely from the Garfagnana region and the Serchio Valley. This loaf of bread, which can weigh up to two kilograms, has a golden crust and an incredibly soft and porous interior, which remains fluffy for a long time. Here, we will take you […]

The Best Museums for Children in Tuscany

Florence, the wonderful Tuscan city, is renowned for its cultural and artistic richness. And it’s not just a fascinating place for adults, but it also offers a wide range of interactive and engaging museums for the little ones. Let’s discover together the best museums for children in Tuscany, divided by geographical areas, for an experience […]

Discovering the Pistoiese Mountain

The Pistoiese Mountain is undoubtedly an enchanting place that offers a great environmental heritage of interest. The region is a real treasure, constantly transforming, captivating with its multifaceted charm. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover the variety and beauty of the plant and animal world of this mountain, while […]