In the western part of Tuscany and close to the imposing river Arno, is located the new destination of our trip in the Italy of enterprises: Arezzo.
This new stop gives us the opportunity to explore one of the oldest cities in Tuscany and Etruria, rich in history and a popular tourist destination.
History and tradition: a journey into the past of Arezzo
Arezzo is one of the regional capitals and fourth most populous city in the region, with just under 100 thousand inhabitants.
Its origin is very ancient and dates back to the Paleolithic. Later it was populated by both the Umbrian and the Etruscans (600 BC); which made it one of the major Etruscan lucumonie (ie an important city-state).
The most prosperous period for Arezzo was between the 2nd and 1st century BC, when, in Augustan times, it became the third Italian city after Rome and Capua and became famous for its products, also manufactured, which were even exported to India.
It later became part of the Holy Roman Empire and around the year 1000 the area of Pionta (important archaeological site of medieval times) became an important cultural, musical and religious pole.
For a very long period, during the feudalism, Arezzo was under the influence of Florence, failing to impose its political, economic and cultural autonomy also because of the frequent revolts that followed. Only with Cosimo I De’ Medici there was a reversal of trend because it beautified the city with a more Renaissance imprint. For example, the fortress, which from that moment was called Medicea, was expanded and further strengthened.
In 1772 the modern town of Arezzo was born and at that time, thanks to the Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo I Di Lorena, the city was enriched and embellished and the surrounding territories were reclaimed.
As for the etymology of the name Arezzo, instead, it comes from the Latin “arretium”, which in turn has Etruscan origins.
On the meaning, however, there are two different theories: according to some it derives from the Etruscan root “arra”, connected to the Etruscan name “Arnith”; For others, the origin would be found in the Etruscan word “aradu” or “eredu”, which indicated a settlement on a hilly slope.
What to visit in Arezzo
Arezzo is a city rich in history and culture and in its historic center are contained the main attractions to visit.
One of the most famous places, as well as one of the symbols of the city, is the Cathedral of Arezzo, which has undergone several vicissitudes over the centuries. It was built in 1278, but finished only in 1500. The bell tower, for example, has been rebuilt and moved three times before reaching its current location. The facade was also rebuilt at the beginning of 1900, while the interior is divided into three naves and houses various works of art, including a fresco depicting Mary Magdalene, by Piero della Francesca, and the extraordinary polychrome windows made by the French master Guillaume de Marcillat.
Another well-known church is the Basilica of San Francesco. Despite its small size, it houses a work considered a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance art, as well as the artist: “La leggenda della Vera Croce” by Piero Della Francesca, a cycle of frescoes inspired by the Golden Legend written by Jacopo Da Varagine that are famous for their extraordinary visual depth and the perfection of perspectives.
Another attraction not to be missed in Arezzo is the House Museum of Giorgio Vasari: the famous Italian artist and art historian was born in Arezzo and bought this palace in 1511. Today it is a museum where you can appreciate the decorations, frescoes and some works of Vasari himself.
Finally, for those who are lovers of both the green and military world, a place to visit is undoubtedly the Medici Fortress, an imposing pentagon-shaped structure built in the 16th century during the Medici period. Today it is possible to walk between the walls of the fortress and the surrounding gardens, to enjoy a splendid view of the city and the Tuscan hills and breathe an air steeped in history.
What to eat in Arezzo: pici with aglione, meat Chianina and Gattò Aretino
Arezzo, in addition to its artistic beauties, is known for its culinary specialties, based on meat, but not only, strictly accompanied by a good glass of Chianti.
As an appetizer very well known are the black croutons, that is slices of toasted bread seasoned with a pâté made from chicken livers flavored also with capers and anchovies.
Among the first dishes must be pici all’aglione, that is fresh homemade pasta seasoned with a tomato sauce and aglione, a variety of garlic flavor more delicate and tasty.
Another first course typical of the area is macaroni with ocio: large squares of fresh pasta almost the size of lasagne seasoned with local goose sauce.
Among the latter, meat dishes are very popular and appreciated: on all dominates the Fiorentina meat Chianina, a dish so famous that it does not need presentations. Another very popular dish is the liver: pieces of pork liver “coated” with pig’s net and seasoned with bay, wild fennel, salt, pepper and extra virgin olive oil. They are usually grilled or cooked in a pan and served with beets.
For a sweet conclusion, finally, the Gattò Aretino (which comes from the French term “gâteaux” that means sweet) is inevitable. It is a roll of Sponge Cake stuffed with a custard and chocolate cream, usually wet with the Alchermes.
Arezzo enterprises: jewellery and industry towards the future with ultra-wide band.
Today, at an industrial level, the area of Arezzo is known mainly for its tradition of goldsmith and jewelry production; it is also known as “the city of gold”, for the long-standing tradition in the processing of precious metals. The goldsmith production is of very high quality, thanks to the use of cutting-edge techniques and the specialization of craftsmen. In addition to goldsmiths, it is also known for the textile and leather goods sector, with several companies specializing in the processing of fine fabrics and the production of articles such as bags and shoes.
In addition, with the very recent intervention for the construction of the new industrial production area of San Zeno, intended to install technological structures and further enhance productivity and industry, The municipality is investing to make companies and businesses even more modern and technological and to make them more competitive in a constantly evolving and expanding market.
In addition to the recent industrial area of San Zeno, Arezzo also has other industrial areas that have experienced a very strong development and expansion in recent years, including the Pratacci area and Via Calamandrei and Arezzo Setteponti.
Among the many companies that populate these areas we find for example UNOAERRE, located in San Zeno, an excellence in the production of rings and jewelry, with a history that began almost one hundred years ago, in March 1926. From 1935 onwards, they began to produce and specialize in rings and today they have a distribution in more than 40 countries, with direct branches in Japan and France. In addition to the rings, they produce a lot of jewelry of various types, including for example craft chains. A company, therefore, which has become a reference point both nationally and internationally and boasts a history of success and experience.
Another company, also located in the San Zeno area, is Safimet, a company specializing in metal working. Founded in 2000, over the years has grown and expanded its offer, opening a new plant both in the province of Vicenza and abroad, more precisely in Lyon. In 2017, instead, they inaugurated the new headquarters in Arezzo, with more innovative and sustainable machinery, to refine techniques and further increase quality.
Another interesting reality, located in the industrial area of Pratacci and Via Calamandrei is Milani Colori. Founded more than forty years ago, it operates in the field of colors, paints, offering a variety of products for every taste and need, but over the years has also specialized in services of coats and thermal insulation.
The companies of Arezzo prove to be up to date. They are attentive to the evolution of technologies, on which they are investing to modernise and improve the quality and production of their products.
Looking to the future, companies in Arezzo are now ready for the next step of their competitive development: the implementation of advanced services such as IoT, AI, cyber security and cloud, thanks to the implementation of an innovative optical fiber infrastructure up to 10G with guaranteed transmission speed realized by FibreConnect.
Ultra-broadband will support the development of new services and improve production processes, making these industrial areas even more competitive and attractive to national and international investors.
Another step forward for our country’s economy and craft excellence, towards an increasingly connected and international future.