Basilica di San Francesco

Because of frescoes which are the main attraction in this cathedral, are most important ones around main altar presenting The History of the True Cross from 1400s. In those times most people were illiterate and for them to understand Bible is to make it like a comic books today.....pictures that follow and tell a story. There is another story on the wall, fresco, that was amazing to me. Of archangel Gabriel.

Basilica of San Francesco is a Medieval church with the beautiful fresco cycle Legends of the True Cross by Piero della Francesca.

Impressive historical church in the middle of the city center of Arezzo. You definitely will walk along this nice place and building when you pay a visit to Arezzo. We were here in September 2021, while it was not too crowded. We didn’t pay a visit to the inside because you can see the inside through a “door window”… .

Bought tickets in advance as it was Arezzo Market weekend and we thought it might be crowded.. It wasn’t.. the crowds were at the market.. Frecoes are stunning.. well worth a visit.. Would have stayed longer but we had a lunch reservation..

Wonderful to see the frescoes by Piero della Francesca -- a lovely space and well worth the trip

Piero della Francesca was an Italian painter and mathematician, whose work - centered almost exclusively on religious subjects - exerted a strong influence on many Renaissance painters. he gained his reputation through his artistic representations in perspective and through geometric forms, as well as through the theoretical knowledge formulated in his writings. To its recognition were added very realistic elaboration of details, refined color palette and bold decorative solutions. In 1452, Piero della Francesca receives the order for the decoration of the choir of the church of San Francesco in Arezzo, after which the cycle of paintings was born illustrating the most important episodes of the "Legend of the true cross", inspired by the story "The Legend of Gold" by Jacques de Voragine from the thirteenth century. The cycle contains six large scenes, three on each of the two sides of the chapel, as well as a group of smaller frescoes. The work on this monumental work will take many years, as the artist travels all the time and always accepts new orders. The fresco will be finished only between 1462-1466.

This Basilica has being built in the 13th century and it is famous for the fresco on the wall by Piero dela Francesca. Visitors are allowed only for specific time , around 30 minutes, in the church and you have to buy a ticket before which costs 8 euro.

Good stained glass windows & ceiling paintings. In the crypt there was an exhibition of Style & Costume in Italy 1900-1960 which was very interesting with some fine exhibits & a nice fresco ceiling.