Santa Maria della Pieve
A stunning Romanesque church in Arezzo, housing a luminous altarpiece and embodying centuries of civic and spiritual history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Santa Maria della Pieve
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Romanesque church in Arezzo, housing a luminous altarpiece and embodying centuries of civic and spiritual history.
"Enter and behold this wonder: a glowing golden altarpiece against a golden background."
🎯 Day Trip from Cortona
Arezzo is a quick 20-min train ride from Cortona, making it a perfect day trip to see this church and more! :train2:
✨ Embrace Imperfection
Don't miss the 'soulful' twisted column behind the church – a symbol of beauty in imperfection. :sparkles:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pietro Lorenzetti's Altarpiece
Main Altar
A glowing golden altarpiece with paintings by Pietro Lorenzetti, featuring the Madonna and Child, is a breathtaking centerpiece.
Romanesque Facade & Apse
Piazza Grande
Admire the impressive Romanesque apse and bell tower overlooking Piazza Grande, a testament to medieval architectural prowess.
The 'Soulful' Twisted Column
Behind the church
Discover a unique, slightly crooked column behind the church, embodying the beauty of imperfection and local lore.
Medieval Baptismal Font
Right Nave
A baptismal font decorated with reliefs narrating the story of John the Baptist, a significant artistic and spiritual piece.
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Arezzo's Hidden Gem
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Insider Tips
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🎯 Day Trip from Cortona
Arezzo is a quick 20-min train ride from Cortona, making it a perfect day trip to see this church and more! :train2:
✨ Embrace Imperfection
Don't miss the 'soulful' twisted column behind the church – a symbol of beauty in imperfection. :sparkles:
🏛️ Admire the Apse
The Romanesque apse on Piazza Grande is a stunning architectural highlight. :building_construction:
🖼️ Lorenzetti's Masterpiece
The golden altarpiece by Pietro Lorenzetti is a must-see, radiating warmth and devotion. :frame_photo:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Day Trip from Cortona
Arezzo is a quick 20-min train ride from Cortona, making it a perfect day trip to see this church and more! :train2:
✨ Embrace Imperfection
Don't miss the 'soulful' twisted column behind the church – a symbol of beauty in imperfection. :sparkles:
🏛️ Admire the Apse
The Romanesque apse on Piazza Grande is a stunning architectural highlight. :building_construction:
🖼️ Lorenzetti's Masterpiece
The golden altarpiece by Pietro Lorenzetti is a must-see, radiating warmth and devotion. :frame_photo:
🚶 Explore Piazza Grande
The church overlooks one of Italy's most beautiful squares, perfect for a stroll. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the serene, vast Romanesque interior and the luminous golden altarpiece by Pietro Lorenzetti. The church's historical significance as a civic landmark and its unique architectural details, like the 'twisted column,' are frequently praised. Some visitors note that parts of the interior can feel sparse, and the original altarpiece was not on display during their visit.
"A vast, at first glance empty Romanesque interior, illuminated—metaphorically and literally—by a golden altarpiece with paintings by Pietro Lorenzetti. It glows against a golden background, painted on separate panels, surrounding the Madonna, gazing lovingly at her son. Little Jesus, I felt, reciprocated the gaze with sweetness and love. Mary's delicate pink robe, with its "tile" pattern, is gracefully held by the Madonna with one hand. Enter and behold this wonder."
Agata Wilam
"Pieve (church) refers to the common people, and as such, Arezzo's church, dedicated to the Assumption, was likely built for the baptism of the faithful and their entry into the Catholic Church.
With a municipal character, and secular municipal banners can be seen inside, the parish church of Arezzo constitutes a religious and secular landmark of the utmost cultural and architectural importance in the city.
A plaque informs us that inside, in an unspecified location, beneath the floor, lie the remains of Vasari, an illustrious representative of Renaissance painting in its Nanirist style and a multifaceted artist.
If you look up before entering the church, on the archivolt of the central portal, you can admire the polychrome decorations depicting the personifications of the months, while the lunette depicts the Madonna between two angels.
At the time of our visit, the façade was under restoration, but the beautiful apse and the bell tower were visible from the outside, overlooking the main square.
The monumental interior is divided into three naves, with a raised presbytery accessed via two staircases located in the side aisles.
The baptismal font, located at the beginning of the right nave, is of great artistic interest. It is decorated in relief with depictions narrating the story of John the Baptist, and the cross painted by Margarito d'Arezzo is of great spiritual intensity.
Unfortunately, at the time of our visit, the presbytery hung with a photograph of Lorenzetti's polyptych, not the original painting of the Virgin and Child with Saints.
Nonetheless, we were able to admire a beautiful fresco depicting Saints Francis and Dominic on one of the columns in the presbytery.
The crypt, located beneath the presbytery, houses a beautiful medieval gilded silver bust depicting Saint Donatus.
Exiting, a further look at the portal's vault reveals how medieval artists infused their works with power and symbolic description to capture the visual attention of the faithful."
Michele Soldovieri
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M. A.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Santa Maria della Pieve is located in the heart of Arezzo, easily accessible by foot from the city center. If arriving by train, the church is a pleasant walk from the Arezzo train station. Many visitors make Arezzo a day trip from nearby Cortona, with frequent regional trains taking only about 20 minutes.
Yes, Arezzo is well-connected by regional trains, making it an accessible destination for day trips from cities like Florence and Siena. The train station is centrally located, allowing for easy exploration of the city on foot.
Driving directly to Santa Maria della Pieve is not recommended due to its central location within Arezzo's historic center, which may have limited access and parking. It's best to park in designated public parking areas outside the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) and walk to the church.
Arezzo is best explored on foot. Once you're in the historic center, most attractions, including Santa Maria della Pieve, are within walking distance.
Yes, there are frequent regional trains connecting Arezzo to major Tuscan cities, making it a convenient destination for a day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Santa Maria della Pieve is generally free, as it is a functioning church. However, there might be specific areas or exhibitions that require a ticket. It's always a good idea to check for any special events or temporary closures.
As a church, Santa Maria della Pieve typically follows religious service hours. It's advisable to check local listings or the official diocesan website for the most up-to-date opening times, as they can vary.
Typically, there is no admission fee to enter the main body of Santa Maria della Pieve. Donations are often appreciated to help with the upkeep of the historic building.
Visitors are usually welcome to enter the church outside of mass times. If you wish to attend a service, please be respectful of the worshippers.
Occasionally, Santa Maria della Pieve may host special exhibitions or events. Information about these is usually announced locally or on the diocesan website.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, don't miss Pietro Lorenzetti's stunning golden altarpiece, the medieval baptismal font with reliefs, and the crypt housing a silver bust of Saint Donatus. Look up at the polychrome decorations on the central portal's archivolt. [^review]
Yes, Santa Maria della Pieve offers excellent opportunities for architectural and art photography. The interplay of light and shadow within the Romanesque interior, especially around the altarpiece, is particularly striking.
Santa Maria della Pieve is a prime example of Romanesque architecture, characterized by its solid construction, rounded arches, and a sense of monumental simplicity. Its apse and bell tower are particularly notable.
The church is historically significant as a landmark of Arezzo's religious and secular importance. A plaque inside indicates that the remains of Vasari, the renowned Renaissance artist, are believed to lie beneath the floor. [^review]
Locals say the slightly crooked column behind the church has a 'soul' and represents the beauty of imperfection, a unique detail carved nearly nine centuries ago.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the impressive Romanesque apse from Piazza Grande, the intricate details of the altarpiece inside, and the unique 'twisted column' behind the church. The central portal's archivolt also offers great photographic potential. 
Photography is generally permitted inside churches for personal use, but it's essential to be respectful of worshippers and avoid using flash, which can be disruptive and damaging to artwork. Always check for any posted restrictions.
The interior lighting can be atmospheric, with natural light filtering in and artificial lighting highlighting key artworks. The golden altarpiece often glows beautifully. Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer, more dramatic light. [^review]
Focus on the rounded arches, the robust stonework of the Romanesque style, the polychrome decorations on the portal, and the detailed reliefs on the baptismal font. The apse and bell tower are also iconic.
The exterior, especially the apse overlooking Piazza Grande, looks stunning in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon. Golden hour can create a magical atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
[^review]While the interior is grand, it's generally quiet, so encourage children to explore with respectful observation. The church's location on Piazza Grande also provides space for them to move around before or after your visit. Consider making it part of a broader, walkable exploration of Arezzo's historic center.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
Don't overlook the details: the polychrome decorations on the central portal's archivolt and the unique 'twisted column' behind the church are fascinating elements that showcase the craftsmanship and artistic expression of the era. The church's integration with the urban fabric of Arezzo is also a key architectural consideration.
[^review]🎨 Art History Buffs
Beyond the major works, the reliefs on the baptismal font and the frescoes offer further insights into medieval artistic practices and religious iconography. The church's historical context, including its connection to Vasari, adds significant depth for those interested in the evolution of art in Tuscany. [^review]
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Romanesque Marvel of Santa Maria della Pieve
+1Inside, the monumental interior is divided into three naves, creating a vast, almost austere space that emphasizes the spiritual atmosphere. The presbytery is raised, accessed by staircases in the side aisles. Even with ongoing restorations, the architectural integrity and historical significance of the Pieve are palpable, offering visitors a glimpse into medieval religious and civic life. [^review]
One of the most intriguing aspects is the 'twisted column' located behind the church. This unique, slightly bent pillar, carved by hand nearly nine centuries ago, is said by locals to have a 'soul.' It embodies a concept of 'sprezzatura' – sensational imperfection – reflecting a timeless beauty that resonates with visitors.
Artistic Treasures Within the Pieve
Another artistic gem is the baptismal font, located at the beginning of the right nave. This font is not merely functional but a work of art, decorated in relief with scenes from the life of John the Baptist. The cross painted by Margarito d'Arezzo is also noted for its spiritual intensity. [^review]
Beyond these major pieces, the church contains other notable artworks, including a beautiful fresco depicting Saints Francis and Dominic on one of the columns in the presbytery. The crypt, situated beneath the presbytery, holds a beautiful medieval gilded silver bust of Saint Donatus, adding another layer of historical and artistic discovery. [^review]
The Civic and Spiritual Heart of Arezzo
The church's historical significance is further underscored by the presence of a plaque indicating that the remains of Giorgio Vasari, the illustrious Renaissance painter and architect, are believed to be interred beneath the floor. This connection to such a prominent figure of the Renaissance adds another layer of historical weight to the site. [^review]
Visitors often remark on the impressive scale of the interior, which, while vast, can feel empty at first glance, allowing the art and architecture to truly command attention. The church's role as a religious and secular focal point is a key aspect of its enduring appeal. [^review]
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