Arezzo

Arezzo (anc. Arretium), the chief city of an Italian province, is situated in a fertile valley near the confluence of the Chiana with the Arno, 38 miles ESE. of Florence. Arezzo was one of the twelve cities of the ancient Etruscans, and was famous for its pottery. It was devastated by Sulla during the Social war; was sacked by the Goths; and during the contest of the Guelphs and Ghibelines, fought stoutly for the latter, but ultimately became subject to Florence. The Piazza Grande, built by Vasari, is remarkable; the church Santa Maria della Pieve is founded on the site of a heathen temple. The Gothic cathedral (begun 1277) has a splendid high altar in marble by Giovanni Pisano; and the several churches contain fine specimens of the Tuscan school of painting. The city produces silk, and manufactures cloth, combs, and pottery; and it has a museum, library, and academy of sciences. Perhaps no city of its size has produced a greater number of celebrated men, among whom may be mentioned Petrarch; the poet Aretino; Guido of Arezzo, inventor of the musical scale; Cesalpino, the botanist; Pope Julius III.; and Vasari, author of Lives of the Painters. Pop of town, 11,816; of commune (1892) 43,000.