Fraternita of Laici Palace
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Museo della Fraternita dei Laici Arezzo

4.6
·172 reviews·Arezzo, Italy

Discover a 16th-century astronomical clock and panoramic views of Arezzo from a historic tower. Explore the Vasari Corridor.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better views

CrowdLow
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Fraternita of Laici Palace

Museo della Fraternita dei Laici Arezzo

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a 16th-century astronomical clock and panoramic views of Arezzo from a historic tower. Explore the Vasari Corridor.

4.6
(172 reviews)

"The tower views and the astronomical clock are absolute highlights, offering incredible value for a low fee."

Vertical photo
TIP

Don't Miss the Clock! 🕰️

The 16th-century astronomical clock is a must-see. Understand its geocentric model and moon phases.

Ascend for Amazing Views 📸

Climb the tower for stunning panoramic views of Piazza Grande and the city.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Astronomical Clock

The Astronomical Clock

Museum interior

A 16th-century marvel showing sun, moon, and phases in a geocentric model. A true historical and scientific gem.

Reddit
Panoramic Views from the Tower

Panoramic Views from the Tower

Tower terrace

Breathtaking vistas of Piazza Grande and Arezzo's rooftops. Perfect for photos and soaking in the city's charm.

Instagram
Vasari Corridor Access

Vasari Corridor Access

Connecting Fraternita to Logge

Explore the historic passage designed by Giorgio Vasari, linking the Fraternita to the Logge. A unique architectural experience.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

To avoid crowds and enjoy the astronomical clock and panoramic views, aim for weekdays outside of peak tourist seasons. Consider visiting during off-peak hours, especially in the late afternoon, to fully appreciate the historical significance and architectural beauty without feeling rushed. Instagram

Understanding the Astronomical Clock

The museum houses a fascinating astronomical clock installed in 1552, predating Copernicus. It features a geocentric model with hands indicating the sun's 12-hour cycle and the moon's 24-hour, 50-minute cycle, along with a noon sundial and moon phase indicator. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, better views
Crowd
Low
When
Late spring/early autumn
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Marquei todos os produtos na rede vizinha : stefanydarezzo
@stefanydarezzo
221.6K likes • 1.2M views

Don't Miss the Clock! 🕰️

The 16th-century astronomical clock is a must-see. Understand its geocentric model and moon phases. Reddit

Ascend for Amazing Views 📸

Climb the tower for stunning panoramic views of Piazza Grande and the city. Instagram

ATENÇÃO @SCHUTZ 🚨 #schutzciety #arezzo #compreiessapalhaçada #challenge #schutz #bolsaschutz #criadordeconteudo #comocrescernotiktok
@tainahmiri
49.6K likes • 1.1M views
Una giornata di sole bellissima per visitare il Museo della Fraternita dei Laici e affacciarsi dalla nostra terrazza per vedere la bella vista panoramica su Piazza Grande e le torri di Arezzo. 🌞 In questi giorni ad Arezzo trovate nelle strade e nelle piazze del centro storico la @fiera_antiquaria_arezzo . ✨ Oggi è l'ultimo giorno del ponte di Ognissanti in cui è possibile visitare il nostro mus...
museodifraternita
21 likes • 625 views

Explore the Vasari Corridor 🚶

Discover the historic passage connecting to the Logge, a unique architectural feature. Instagram

Check Opening Hours ⏰

Verify opening times, especially for special exhibitions or events. Instagram

Svarbiausios vietos, kurias būtina aplankyti Arezzo: 1. Piazza Grande; 2. Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici; 3. Logge del Vasari; 4. Arezzo Parco; 5. Museo di Casa Vasari; 6. Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Donato; 7. Basilica di San Francesco; 8. Fortezza Medicea; 9. Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra. #arezzo #italytravel #italia #travelblogger #italy_vacations #arezzooficial #tuscany #tuscanstyle #...
im_urbana
0 likes • 389 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Don't Miss the Clock! 🕰️

The 16th-century astronomical clock is a must-see. Understand its geocentric model and moon phases. Reddit

Ascend for Amazing Views 📸

Climb the tower for stunning panoramic views of Piazza Grande and the city. Instagram

Explore the Vasari Corridor 🚶

Discover the historic passage connecting to the Logge, a unique architectural feature. Instagram

Check Opening Hours ⏰

Verify opening times, especially for special exhibitions or events. Instagram

Low Entrance Fee 💰

The museum offers great value for its historical significance and views. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(172 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the museum for its incredible value, particularly the stunning panoramic views from the tower and the fascinating 16th-century astronomical clock. While some find the general art collection less compelling, the historical significance of the building and the unique experience of accessing the Vasari Corridor are highly appreciated. InstagramReddit+1

"I am reviewing the “astronomical clock” … 3rd edition (4Jun2025)!
There is an excellent article on the clock on tourismo.it by Flaminia Sworn, dated 10Jan2019.
I will summarise the clock’s features.
It was installed in 1552, but the geocentric arrangement is pre-Copernicus (1515), per the prevailing orthodoxy.
i.e., the Earth is at the centre, and the Moon is in a closer orbit than the Sun.
The Sun hand therefore rotates once every 12 hours, the a.m./ p.m. factor being evident to the observer in the piazza (from the degree of darkness).
The Moon hand rotates every 24 hours and 50 minutes, i.e., the moon rises, on average, about 50 minutes later each day.
There is, per Sword, a [simple] noon sundial, to make corrections to the clock at the meridian crossing of the Sun and/or Moon.
My photo of the sundial was taken at 12:43 (Arezzo longitude is 11.898 E).
There are 30 gradations for the days of the month. I expect they have to make manual adjustments for January, February, March, May, July, August, October, and December. This dial rotates with the Moon hand (you can see daylight all around the Moon globe, looking thru the clock mechanism from inside the tower).
There is also a minute hand, and the clock chimes each quarter hour.
The Moon hand has a clever feature in that the Moon, painted half gold and half black, rotates to reveal the moon phase.
N.B. The Moon hand is calibrated so it depicts the Moon as seen from the Northern Hemisphere, looking south. See my photograph, taken in the early evening on the same day.
There are several photos on this website already showing a broad view of the clock mechanism.
When I photographed the clock this morning (30May2025), and also observed it with my binoculars, the Moon hand and the Sun hand were not correctly positioned (according to my analysis above), but the Moon phase was correct (waxing crescent, see photo taken same day). I suspect they need adjustment.
I would be interested in comments on my analysis, or referral to a more detailed analysis than may be available. Fausto Casi (1999)?"

Stuart Nicholson

"This is a charity group that was established centuries ago. Now there is museum in their house and you can enter the roof tower with still working clock.
Worth it , low entrance fee, just for the view on piazza bellow and town around."

Rok Stražar

"City museum inside but not really interesting"

Enjoy life

What People Like

Amazing tower views
Fascinating astronomical clock
Low entrance fee

What People Dislike

Art collection organization
Inconsistent discount information

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is centrally located in Piazza Grande, Arezzo, making it easily accessible on foot from most parts of the historic center. If arriving by car, park in one of the designated parking areas outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) and walk. Instagram

Yes, the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici is a prominent building in Piazza Grande, easily identifiable by its historical architecture. Look for signs directing you to the museum entrance. Instagram

Arezzo's main bus station and train station are a short walk from Piazza Grande. From there, it's a pleasant stroll through the charming streets to reach the museum. Instagram

While the main museum areas might be accessible, the tower climb and some historical passages may present challenges. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information. Instagram

Direct parking in Piazza Grande is not available for tourists. Several public parking lots are located a short walk from the piazza, such as the Pietre or Mecenate parking garages. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is generally low, offering excellent value for the experience, including access to the museum and the tower. Reddit It's recommended to check their official website or inquire locally for the most current pricing. Instagram

For regular visits, booking in advance is usually not necessary, especially during off-peak times. However, for special events or guided tours, it's advisable to book ahead. Instagram

While some reviews mention ICOM member discounts, there have been reports of discrepancies. It's best to confirm any potential discounts directly with the museum staff upon arrival. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's crucial to check the museum's official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Instagram+1

Typically, access to the tower is included with the museum admission ticket, allowing you to enjoy the panoramic views. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The star attraction is the 16th-century astronomical clock, a complex mechanism showcasing geocentric cosmology. The panoramic views from the tower are also a major draw. InstagramReddit

The museum houses various historical artifacts and artworks, though some visitors find the collection somewhat haphazardly organized. The building itself is a significant historical landmark. Reddit

Absolutely! The tower offers spectacular, unobstructed views of Piazza Grande and the surrounding city, making it a highlight for many visitors. InstagramReddit

This is a historic passage designed by Giorgio Vasari that connects the Fraternita building to the Logge. Access to this corridor is a unique feature of the museum experience. Instagram+1

While not always explicitly advertised, special openings and guided experiences, particularly related to the Vasari corridor or specific exhibitions, are sometimes offered. Following their social media or inquiring locally is recommended. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography for personal use is permitted in most areas, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions, especially near delicate exhibits or during special events. Instagram

The panoramic view from the tower is unparalleled for cityscapes. The astronomical clock itself is also a fascinating subject for close-up photography. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can photograph the clock, but be mindful of other visitors and any posted rules. Capturing the intricate details of the clock is a popular choice. Reddit

Drone photography is generally not permitted within historical city centers like Arezzo, especially in public squares. Always adhere to local regulations. Instagram

Late afternoon, especially during the golden hour, offers beautiful light for photographing the city. Weekday afternoons also tend to be less crowded, allowing for more relaxed photo opportunities. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The astronomical clock can be a fascinating point of interest for curious children, sparking conversations about time, the sun, and the moon. The tower climb offers an exciting adventure with rewarding views, though parents should supervise young children closely due to the height. InstagramReddit While the museum's collection might not be extensive for younger attention spans, the historical building and the unique clock provide enough intrigue for a memorable visit. Consider visiting during less crowded times to allow children more space to explore. Instagram

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, the Museo della Fraternita dei Laici is a treasure trove. The 16th-century astronomical clock is a prime example of Renaissance scientific and cosmological understanding, offering insights into a pre-Copernican worldview. Reddit The building itself is a historical landmark, and the access to the Vasari Corridor provides a direct connection to the architectural genius of Giorgio Vasari. Instagram+1 Exploring the museum allows for a deep dive into Arezzo's past, from its medieval origins to its Renaissance splendors. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find ample opportunities at the Museo della Fraternita dei Laici. The panoramic views from the tower are exceptional, especially during the golden hour, offering stunning shots of Piazza Grande and the Tuscan landscape. Instagram The astronomical clock itself presents a unique and detailed subject for close-up photography, capturing its intricate mechanisms and historical significance. Reddit The architectural details of the Palazzo della Fraternita and the Logge also provide excellent framing opportunities. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Marvel of the Astronomical Clock

The Museo della Fraternita dei Laici is home to a remarkable astronomical clock installed in 1552. This intricate device predates Copernicus's heliocentric model and operates on a geocentric principle, with the Earth at the center of the universe. The clock features a sun hand that completes a rotation every 12 hours, indicating AM and PM by the observer's position in the piazza. The moon hand, however, has a more complex cycle, rotating every 24 hours and 50 minutes, reflecting the average delay in the moon's rise each day. Reddit

Beyond the primary timekeeping functions, the clock incorporates a noon sundial for potential corrections and a minute hand. A particularly fascinating element is the moon phase indicator, achieved by a globe painted half gold and half black that rotates to reveal the current phase of the moon. The clock's mechanism is designed to depict the moon as seen from the Northern Hemisphere, looking south. While generally functional, some visitors have noted that the hands may occasionally require adjustment. Reddit

This clock is not just a timekeeping device but a window into the scientific understanding and worldview of the 16th century. Its presence in the museum offers a tangible connection to historical astronomy and the evolution of scientific thought. Reddit

Panoramic Views and Architectural Connections

One of the most compelling reasons to visit the Museo della Fraternita dei Laici is the opportunity to ascend its tower and experience breathtaking panoramic views of Arezzo. From this vantage point, visitors can survey the entirety of Piazza Grande, with its distinctive architecture and terracotta rooftops, as well as the wider cityscape and surrounding Tuscan hills. This elevated perspective provides a unique appreciation for Arezzo's urban layout and historical significance. Instagram

Furthermore, the museum offers access to the Vasari Corridor, a historically significant passage designed by the renowned artist and architect Giorgio Vasari. This corridor, restored and reopened, connects the Fraternita building directly to the Logge del Vasari. Exploring this passage offers a glimpse into the ingenious architectural solutions of the Renaissance and provides a unique way to experience the interconnectedness of Arezzo's historical landmarks. Instagram+1

The combination of the stunning city views and the exploration of Vasari's architectural legacy makes a visit to the Museo della Fraternita dei Laici a multi-faceted experience, appealing to both history enthusiasts and those simply seeking beautiful vistas. Instagram+1

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