As with many places around the world, certain towns in Italy are known for local traditions in the production of specific foods and goods. In Italy, the regional foods of the country are often more familiar to us but there are some exquisite local craft traditions that continue to this day and that are well-worth checking out, especially if you are fond of the finer things.
Take, for example, the charming medieval town of Arezzo, which has an impossibly rich tradition of jewellery and gold craftsmanship that will make the magpies and lovers of sparkly things around the world want to book a villa in Arezzo and pay a visit. If you’re looking to enjoy a vacation in Tuscany and all that that entails but also want to invest in something truly special to commemorate your trip, then Arezzo is the perfect destination.
One of the world's foremost centres for gold jewellery production, Arezzo is known to a lesser extent also for its silver and platinum jewellery. It is a place where innovation and creativity are blended together and where both mass-market jewellery and artisanal pieces are crafted with exceptional skill.
With origins dating all the way back to the Etruscans, who were masters of gold production in the ancient world, the craft grew in importance and scale when the workshops of Arezzo were built up in the 14th century. The 16th century saw a proliferation of gold shops, further solidifying Arezzo's position, and Renaissance tastes and ideals created a growing demand for exquisite objects, leading to direct commissions from various Tuscan courts, lords of Florence, and even the papacy. These powerful and wealthy clients only enhanced the city's reputation as a hub of goldsmithing excellence.
In the 20th century, industrialisation transformed Arezzo from an agricultural community with artisanal gold production into an industrial centre. Today, over a thousand different companies operate in the jewellery trade in the town. Arezzo's goldsmiths are celebrated worldwide for their skill, and visitors who choose a holiday rental in Arezzo can explore the traditional workshops tucked away in the old city centre as well as the shops selling the mass-produced and less expensive pieces.
So, whether you're enchanted by sparkling jewellery, fascinated by craftsmanship, or simply seeking an extraordinary keepsake, Arezzo awaits. Explore our remarkable vacation rentals in Arezzo today and plan a trip to this precious gem in Tuscany.