A charming farmhouse on the hills of Tuscany
La Rustica is here
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More pictures here
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A few steps from Arezzo..
La Rustica is located 5km from Arezzo, right in the heart of Tuscany about 80 km (50 miles) southeast of Florence. Arezzo was described by Livy (Titus Livius 59 BC) as one of the "Capitae Etruriae" (Etruscan capitals), it is believed to have been one of the twelve most important Etruscan cities so called Dodecapolis. Etruscan remains establish that the acropolis of San Cornelio, a small hill next to that of San Donatus, was occupied and fortified in the Etruscan period. There is other significant Etruscan evidence: parts of walls, an Etruscan necropolis on Poggio del Sole (Hill of the Sun), and most famously, the two bronzes, the "Chimera of Arezzo" (5th sentury BC) and the "Minerva" (4th century BC) which were discovered in the 16th century
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..a medieval city surrounded by nature!
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and taken to Florence. Arezzo's greatest artistic treasure is the set of frescoes by Piero della Francesca called "La Leggenda della Vera Croce", in the church of San Francesco. The city is alsofamous for Guido d'Arezzo, the Medieval abbot who originated solfeggio (musical notation that replaced neumatic notation) and it’s renowned for its antique fairs, which take place on the first Sunday of every month, and the preceding Saturday. The Oscar-winning film by Roberto Benigni “La vita e’ bella” was set and filmed in Arezzo. You will see the streets of Arezzo are dotted with information boards about the film locations, helping film fans to identify the spot where the characters sheltered under a cushion umbrella, or cycled through the piazza.
The Saracen Joust, a jump back in time
The Saracen Joust (Giostra del Saracino) held at the Piazza Grande of Arezzo is a medieval festival which displays facets of its old world charm, its famous history, tradition and its tasteful cuisine. The procession of the joust winds its way right down to the Piazza Grande. Originating from the ancient Crusades, this Saracen joust began in the Middle Ages. The Christian Crusaders battled with the Islamic tribes or the Moors of the North African Arabs in an attempt to drive them out of Europe. This Baroque joust started between the 15th and the 16th centuries and gained popularity until the 18th century. With a culture of tradition, the Giostra del Saracino was re-established as a historic event in 1931 with its original 15th century ambience. With the spirit of competition and joy, the joust also takes place when dignitaries and princes visit the city and during important functions, carnivals and weddings. This is an unforgettable experience in a land which will bring you back in centuries into a theatre filled with lifestyle of tradition, culture and typical cusine.
