When you visit Arezzo in central Tuscany, Santa Maria della Pieve offers an unforgettable look into Italy's architectural past. Documented since 1008, this remarkable church once served as a communal stronghold against local bishops. As you approach, you will instantly notice its striking twelfth-century façade, featuring a five-arch lower floor topped by three loggias. Look closely at the columns—every capital is unique, and one column is even a carved statue!
Above the central entrance portal, you can admire a bas-relief of the Praying Madonna with Angels, signed by Marchionne, along with vault depictions of the Months from the school of Benedetto Antelami. Stepping inside the high, Gothic-style interior, you will explore a nave and two aisles divided by ogival arches with Corinthian capitals. Head toward the high altar to view the famous 1320 Tarlati polyptych by Pietro Lorenzetti, depicting the Madonna and Saints. You can also spot mid-fourteenth-century fresco traces attributed to Andrea di Nerlo, visit the crypt to see the 1346 reliquary bust of St.
Donatus, and explore the baptistery inside the base of the sturdy Romanesque bell tower, which houses a 1332–1333 baptismal font by Giovanni d'Agostino showing Stories of St. John the Baptist.
What to see at Santa Maria della Pieve
- Striking 12th-century façade with three tiers of unique columns
- Pietro Lorenzetti's 1320 Tarlati polyptych at the high altar
- Detailed barrel vault carvings depicting the Months
- Crypt holding the 1346 reliquary bust of St. Donatus
- Baptistery featuring Giovanni d'Agostino's 14th-century baptismal font
Visiting tips
Look closely at the façade's columns to spot the single column carved as a statue.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daylight hours
How to get there & what’s nearby
Santa Maria della Pieve is easy to reach on Arezzo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Arezzo Cathedral and San Francesco, Arezzo. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Arezzo travel guide.
See the full Arezzo travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.