Study Abroad Programs in Italy

Arezzo (p. 91,600) is an old city in central Italy about 50 miles south-east of Florence. Arezzo was probably one of the most important cities founded by the Etruscans. There is evidence that Arezzo traded with Greece, which brought many exotic goods to the nobles of Arezzo. Arezzo, known under Roman rule as Arretium, was the third largest city in Italy in the Augustan period. From 1098 until 1384, Arezzo was an independent city-state. It's university was founded in 1252. Napoleon Bonaparte conquered the city in the late 1700's, but it quickly became a base for the resistance movement. Arezzo became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. The city suffered heavy damage during World War II, but has since been restored. There are many churches, a cathedral, several museums, and other attractions in Arezzo.