We left this morning about 10 am to head to Arezzo to check out the town before taking Steve and Patty to the train station at noon. Barbara gave us some suggestions of things to look at/do while there.
After finally finding a parking spot, we checked out the town and walked all over. After meandering around for a while we stopped and had a snack and cappuccino/espresso. We finished and headed back to the car as we needed to get Steve and Patty to the train station. We said our goodbyes (insert sad face) as they are on their way back to Venice for an overnight and then flying home tomorrow.
Barbara gave us a suggestion of where to get groceries instead of the Euroscan (she told us NO! NO!) We first did the Coop, which is okay by her, but the Esselunga in Arezzo is better. It is a pretty big store and has huge variety of things, so it was a win-win for us.
After unpacking and putting up groceries, we caught up on a few things on the computers and then headed to the pool. Not long after that was Aperol time, lol!
We had leftovers of the kabobs, Fiorella’s pasta and green beans for dinner. After cleanup, a few rounds of Rummikub before calling it a night. It was quiet here without Steve and Patty and we didn’t like it, lol! We have nothing planned tomorrow except for blog work and laundry. Ciao!
A couple of paragliders going over the villa!Steve walking into the walled/gated part of the city of Arezzo.At the exterior entrance of the Basilica of San Domenico, located in Piazza San Domenico in the historic center of Arezzo.Monument to Grand Duke Ferdinand III of Habsburg‑Lorraine taken near Piaggia di Murello / Piazza di Murello.The Arezzo Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santi Donato e Pietro), located at the top of the city in Piazza del Duomo. The statue in the foreground is of Grand Duke Ferdinand Ide’ Medici, which stands just to the side of the cathedral steps.The tall medieval building with the crenellated tower and clock is the Palazzo dei Priori (also known as the Palazzo Comunale), which has been the seat of Arezzo’s municipal government since the 14th century. Inside the Arezzo Cathedral, looking at the central nave with richly decorated frescoes by Guillaume de Marcillat, a French Renaissance artist active in Italy during the early 16th century.Stained glass windows and ceiling frescoes by Guillaume de Marcillat. Of course, this picture does not do it justice.A 13th-century polychrome sculpture of Madonna and Child.The main high altar, featuring the magnificent marble Ark of Saint Donatus, a Gothic masterpiece carved between the 14th and 15th centuries by various artists, including Giovanni di Francesco and others from the school of Orcagna.The Tarlati Chapel, which contains the Crucifixion fresco by Agnolo di Lorentino (late 15th century) set within a richly decorated marble tabernacle-like frame. Beneath the fresco is the tomb of Bishop Guido Tarlati’s family member, crafted in fine marble with sculpted details.The marble pulpit designed and sculpted by Benedetto da Maiano in the late 15th century. The pulpit is richly decorated with detailed relief panels depicting scenes from the Life of St. Francis of Assisi. This sculpture is just unbelievable!One of the side chapels in the cathedral.Walking down the main street inside the walls of Arezzo.LOVE THIS!LOVE THIS too, lol! A quick stop for a cappuccino and a croissant.The Piazza Grande, which is the historic heart of Arezzo and one of Tuscany’s most beautiful squares, famous for its sloping pavement, medieval architecture, and as a filming location for Life is Beautiful (La vita è bella).The Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici, established in 1262. It was formed as a lay religious group dedicated to aiding the poor and the sick—a charitable institution that remains active today.The heraldic shields represent the neighborhoods and noble families of Arezzo, prominently displayed during the Giostra del Saracino, the city’s historic jousting tournament.Our daily sighting of this duck that seems to hang around the villa. Not sure if it’s one of Lorenzo’s, but it shows up about the same time every day and always flies on top of the roof above the picnic tables.Aperol time!One of the ducks the black/white one comes to visit, lol!
John’s attempt at saying San Gimignano. And yes, it’s hard to say, lol!!!!!
