Word: arezzo
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...That thought lands us in and around the Tuscan city of Arezzo, staring at the masterpieces of native son and inveterate traveler Piero della Francesca, who, after centuries of being overlooked, is now considered one of the masters of the early Renaissance. Art historian Carlo Bertelli says Piero was appreciated at the time for his innovative way with perspective, but he is now also prized for his "enigmatic" touch. "He is a painter of enormous clarity, but also of great reflection," says Bertelli. "You could say that it was necessary that he 'slept' in these centuries so that he could...
...Born in 1412 in the village of Borgo Sansepolcro, about 25 km from Arezzo, Piero got his first training from an accomplished painter in his hometown. Soon, though, he embarked on a quest to immerse himself in the swirling artistic currents of Renaissance Italy. By today's standards he didn't travel far, but he did pick up (and leave) influences across the peninsula. He spent time in Perugia and in Florence, where he assisted the Venice-born painter Domenico Veneziano. Later, he was commissioned by Pope Nicolas V and Pope Pius II to paint several frescoes in the palaces...
Some of the best of these establishments can be found on the winding road between Arezzo and Siena, in a slice of the Chianti region that has been turning out fine wine and olive oil for centuries. Local property owners have realized they can take advantage of tax breaks for farms while also profiting from well-heeled tourists. Though individual rooms for couples are available, accommodations are geared more toward families or groups of friends. Apartments are available to sleep four to 20 people...
People are drawn to Tuscany for its gentle pace, rolling hills and ancient vineyards. They come too for the ubiquitous art in the famous cities of Florence and Siena, as well as in such gems as Arezzo and Lucca. Retirees won't be playing much golf, but they may well sign up for classes to learn how to cook Italian-style, start a wine collection or try to paint like Giotto...