The picturesque medieval town of Arezzo is one of Tuscany’s most beloved destinations as it is a serious looker, steeped in culture, boasts a very pretty historic centre that is almost frozen in time, hosts several fascinating festivals and events throughout the year, and has some incredible little boutiques, bars, cafes, and restaurants. However, one of the things about the city that the magpies among those looking to vacation in Tuscany should definitely take note of is that it is home to an ancient and rich jewellery and gold-crafting heritage. As a result, those who have found a villa with pool in Arezzo will be able to seek out some rather special, unforgettable, and very precious souvenirs while in the area. In fact, perhaps some of the most beautiful and incredible examples of craftsmanship in the entire region of Tuscany can be discovered while on holiday in Arezzo. So, plan your next trip and be sure to set aside a budget for purchasing something truly special that you can pass down through your family or with which you can simply remember your holiday for the rest of your life...
Arezzo is actually one of the most important centres in the world for the production of gold jewellery and, to a lesser extent, silver and platinum jewellery. A place where innovation and creativity are at their peak, there is a vibrant industry in the area in the production of both jewellery for the masses and in pieces that are carefully made by artisans and with the most incredible craftsmanship. The history of the industry is also intimately connected to the history of Arezzo itself and can be traced all the way back to the Etruscans who once lived in the area and were among the greatest masters of the production of gold in the ancient world. Museums throughout the surrounding area (such as the MAEC Cortona Etruscan Academy Museum, the National Archaeological Museum Gaio Cilnio Mecenate, and the National Medieval and Modern Art Museum) display the incredible pieces made so long ago by Etruscan hands and gold-working continued to flourish in the area, particularly in and around Arezzo, in the following centuries.
With the establishment of workshops in Arezzo in the 14th century, the craft grew in importance and scale, and then the proliferation of gold shops in the 16th century only added to this. A greater demand for beautiful things was created by Renaissance tastes and ideals and this led to direct commissions from various courts throughout Tuscany and from the lords of Florence, in particular. Eventually, commissions also came from the greatest patron with the deepest of pockets of the time, that being the papacy, once word of the quality of Arezzo gold made its way to Rome. The creation of various kinds of gold decorations and jewellery for these sorts of incredibly powerful and monied customers only further cemented the reputation and importance of the craft in the city and helped begin spreading the word nationally, and then internationally, about the astounding skill of Arezzo goldsmiths.
Then, with the birth of the 20th century, industrialisation reached Arezzo and the city and surrounding area were ultimately transformed from an agricultural community with artisanal gold production into an industrial centre in which more than a thousand different companies have come to do business in the jewellery trade. This growth of the industry in Arezzo has not, however, completely stamped out the long-held traditions of craftsmanship and, as noted, both more mass-produced pieces and carefully created wonders still made in little local workshops using ancient techniques (such as repoussage, engraving, fretwork, microcasting, and more) can be found and purchased in shops located around Arezzo. The gold craftsmen who still work in the city are, in fact, among the most celebrated in the world and those who have found a vacation rental in Arezzo and are after a very special and precious memento of their time in this lovely city should make a point to go in search of the workshops still open in the old city centre.
If, however, you wish to observe some of the most spectacular and impressive pieces made by Arezzo’s most talented hands in more recent years (among them some truly breathtaking and elaborate pieces that the majority of even the most avid jewellery fans are unlikely to have in their own possession), then there is a major contemporary jewellery collection that is a must-see while spending time on vacation in Arezzo. This is the UnoAErre Museum and shop where you can both observe some incredible works made by the storied brand throughout its history and also purchase pieces from their latest collections. UnoAErre was established in 1926 by Leopoldo Gori and Carlo Zucchi, with the name coming from “1AR”, the identification mark indicated on the punch affixed to gold products, and the museum was then opened to complement the brand in 1988. The first museum in Italy to be dedicated entirely to the art of goldsmithing, it was created to preserve the history of the company and boasts a collection of over 2000 priceless pieces spanning more than 80 years from Belle Époque wonders to geometrical Art Déco designs to some of their more recent and current collections.
So, if you love sparkly objects and impressive craftsmanship, if you’re interested in the history of design, and/or if you want to be sure to procure a very special kind of souvenir, then look no further than this glittering gem of a town. Browse our incredible villas in Arezzo today and plan a trip to this precious jewel in Tuscany.
