Arezzo, Italia – 29 July 2024

We depart Firenze basically on time (Italian time, not Germany time) on Monday 29 July 2024.  I’m heading to Arezzo.

Arezzo is a city in Tuscany, around 80 kms south of Firenze. Ange had recommended it to me so I thought why not.

 

The 1 hour and change train journey passes by quickly while looking at the Toscana countryside.

First stop after leaving the train station is at a café for a much needed un espresso.

I then wander the cobblestone streets, enjoying the breeze when it comes!!! Nearly missing the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pieve due to the scaffolding. 

 

 

As I continue to walk up, I come to Piazza Grande.  Wikipedia informs me it's a likely medieval square on a slope, lined by 1500s stone buildings housing cafes and antique shops.  It's not wrong.  It's impressive!! All the shaded seats at the cafes are all full so I continue wandering, in the shade of course. 

 

 

I head up the hill as if it’s a cool 20 degrees - it is not! Thank goodness there is shade and a breeze when I get to the top. 

 

As I enter the Duomo di Arezzo I’m taken back by the very high ceilings.  Aaaah yes, I’m in a Italian Church.  This is normal.

 

 

 

 

As I exit the Duomo the heat hits me. It’s beyond hot! I try where possible to only walk in the shade.

I continue wandering around the cobblestone streets - semi on the hunt for lunch.

 

 

 

I poke my head into another Church.

 

 

The heat gets too much, time to get inside. 

Gnocchi with zucchini and cheese is ordered along with large bottle of aqua.

A hop, step and a jump from the cafe is a Coop. Brings back so many memories of when I lived in Venice. I want to buy so many things but it’s just not practicable.

It’s beyond hot, time to head to the train station and find somewhere to sit in the shade.

We depart Arezzo at 1.45pm, it’s been lovely to visit but far too hot. Mental note to oneself, DO NOT visit Italia in the peak summer.

I somehow manage to take a seat in the non air conditioning part of the train…..wholly smoke! After the conductor comes to check the tickets I move. Far far far too hot!

Ciao Arezzo, back to Firenze I go.