Arezzo Cathedral

Morning Mass at 7 a.m. at the Cathedral - Wonderful - A story like Giorgio Bassani
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Italy, again, has become a country which is very attractive to travel to - to better understand what people do and what "notion" (Begriff) of time people have.
Over the last years, I went several times to Arezzo, a city I know from the 1990s. Indeed, Arezzo is a small town, quiet, well structured. Go to a good Hotel (Graziella Patio), and come along to take photographs for better understanding. Bring a powerful "camera" (indeed : camera), since the places and streets, most paved, are complicated. And have time, to look at the People, have some coffee or a beer at Piazza Grande.

After getting somewhat acquainted with the city, establish a new exercice, to get up early, somewhat at around 6 a.m. . Have a first coffee.
And go the the Cathedral, absolutely up the hill, and you will have to go not too fast. The street is steep. Usually, if you are erally acquainted, you will see three religious sisters coming from the side, in her habits.

The morning mass is held at 7 a.m., in the wonderful side chapel. There may be around 40 to 50 people, of all kind, and of a multitude of ages.
Some, as you may guess, are going afterwards to work.

For the time being, there is alwys an old priest, quite tall, wonderfully speaking and singing. It is very religious, but all means it has nothing of "Kitsch". When there is the benediction at the end, you feel relieved and can go back to the Hotel, to have real breakfast. This time, you are going downwards, it is easier.

Here some photographs taken in Arezzo in May 2016, with fog. I presume Giorgio Bassani, who was born in Ferrara and was Jewish, a great writer, would have liked the story.

Absolutely gorgeous place!
Not so many tourists, great atmosphere and very organic place (no barriers etc.).

Seems like the cathedral management trusts tourists to behave and allows them to basically walk around which creates as I have said an organic experience.

Entry is free.

The Cathedral in Arezzo was my favorite church. I liked that they had the real candles to light, beautiful architecture, different Chapel in church to pray. Overall less crowded. Also loved that this church had holy water as some other churches did not.

Absolutely gorgeous! Some areas of the Cathedral are dark and you should try using the night function on your cell camera.

A gothic cathedral, beautiful from inside and outside , with a small frescoe from Piero de la Francesca and 15th century frescoes in the apsis

The first cathedral of Arezzo was built on the nearby Pionta Hill, over the burial place of Donatus of Arezzo, martyred in 363. In 1203 Pope Innocent III had the cathedral moved within the city's walls, to the current site. The cathedral however lost the relics of Donatus, which were transferred to the church of San Donato in Castiglione Messer Raimondo (in what is now the province of Teramo). In spite of this, the cathedral is still dedicated to Saint Donatus and at the high altar houses a 14th-century arch named after him.

Well preserved Cathedral with some hidden treasures inside. The ceiling was painted elaborately. Must see place when you are in Arezzo.

Beautiful and not so busy! Good to visit when you are in Arezzo

The duomo of Arezzo is quite amazing and breathtaking. The stained glass windows are spectacular!! Don’t miss this gem when in Arezzo!

Probably the most beautiful cathedral ceiling we’ve ever seen. This church should nit be missed when visiting Arezzo.

Beautiful cathedral with a remarkable altar as well as other impressive works of arts.

Beautiful cathedral with some interesting history, including a Pope buried on site. Well worth a visit.

Highly recommended visit. Not too crowded and beautiful from the inside.

Nice and the park nearby is quiet to enjoy a little walk.

very cozy place, wonderful atmosphere

Impressive and historic - take some time to appreciate how great this church is.

Arezzo is a very charming city. The best place tô visit there, in my opinion is the area around the cathedral, which is on top of the street. There is an old military construction close to the church and from there you can enjoy an amazing view of the Toscana

Spiritual and majestic. Houses the shrine and image of the Madonna del Comforto, much revered by the people of Arezzo. Also houses the tomb of a pope (Gregory), who died here on his way back to Rome. A place you must visit.

Must be in Arezzo...
Nice and calm athmosphere

Very beautiful! A must see. There are touches of modern art in this majestic old cathedral.