During a recent trip to Italy, my wife and I were eager to escape the hustle and bustle of Florence. 

After a day spent among the crowded streets packed with thousands of tourists, we craved something quieter and more relaxing.

That’s when we stumbled upon Arezzo, which for us turned out to be a hidden gem and the highlight of our trip. 

Arezzo is a much smaller city compared to its more famous neighbours like Bologna, Florence, and Pisa. It takes about 45 minutes to get there by train from Florence.

As soon as we stepped off the train, we were greeted by a mix of stunning architecture and beautiful Tuscan views. 

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Located on a gentle hill, Arezzo has a lot to offer. The first thing we did was taking a slow walk down its main street, which is littered with shops and cafes serving delicious sandwiches, pizza and of course irresistible gelato.

As we made our way up towards the city centre, and eventually reached the Arezzo Cathedral, the surroundings became even more charming.

The architecture had a bit of resemblance to the arches found in Bologna but with more light and breathable air.

Towering churches and castle-like buildings were also sprinkled throughout the city, and every time we looked up, we couldn’t help but admire the mediaeval details, even with the sun fully glaring into our eyes.

At the top of the hill, right next to the cathedral, we found a lovely park where we could rest and take in the stunning panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.

It was a peaceful spot, with plenty of benches and very few people around. Nearby, we also found a fortress, and even though you had to pay a small fee to get in, it was worth it. 

But the highlight of our trip to Arezzo came as we were about to leave. 

We had unknowingly timed our visit with Arezzo’s famous mediaeval festival called Giostra del Saracino.

The entire Piazza Grande (the city’s main square) was decked out with mediaeval flags, banners, shields, and swords, and most impressively a Roman-style horse track. 

Temporary stands had also been built, ready to host thousands of spectators for the festival, which is one of the biggest events of the year in Arezzo. 

We later learned that Giostra del Saracino is a mediaeval jousting festival dating back centuries, where participants from the city’s four quarters compete in a historic tournament. 

Tens of thousands of people attend every year, and the event is even televised across Italy.

The Giostra del Saracino typically takes place on the last Sunday of June and August, and the first Sunday of September. However, it’s always a good idea to check the specific dates for the year you plan to visit, as they can sometimes vary slightly.

Though we only spent about four hours in Arezzo because of the late-August heat, it left a lasting impression on us. 

The heat was the only downside to an otherwise perfect day, and surprisingly, there were hardly any tourists around. 

Arezzo now has a spot at the top of our list for our next Italian adventure, and we’re already planning our return.

If you’re looking for a quiet, picturesque Italian city with a rich history and none of the crowds, Arezzo is a must-see.