Piero della Francesca's 'Mary Magdalene' fresco was painted c. 1460 and remains one of the few works by the artist still in its original intended location.
The cathedral's stained glass windows by Guillaume de Marcillat were completed in the early 16th century and represent a sophisticated blend of French and Italian techniques.
The tomb of Pope Gregory X, who died in Arezzo in 1276, is located within the cathedral.
The high altar, or Arca di San Donato, features panels depicting the life of the saint and was commissioned in 1362.
The building was constructed over a span of over 200 years, explaining the stylistic inconsistencies between the earlier foundation and the later facade.
The organ, largely a 19th-century installation, incorporates pipes from older instruments dating back to the 16th century.
The terracotta coat of arms of the Medici family is visible on the exterior, signifying the political influence of the period.
The Cathedral bell tower is a later addition, built in the 19th century after the previous one was demolished due to structural instability.
Arezzo Cathedral, formally the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Donatus, dominates the city's highest point on the Prato hill. The interior is defined by the fresco 'Mary Magdalene' by Piero della Francesca, painted directly onto the wall in the mid-15th century. Construction of the current Gothic structure began in 1278 and continued over several centuries, resulting in a transition between Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements. The cathedral houses the high altar of Bishop Guido Tarlati, a significant piece of 14th-century funerary sculpture. The stained glass windows, created by the French artist Guillaume de Marcillat, are among the most notable examples of Renaissance glass art in Italy. The floor plan follows a hall church design with three naves of equal height and no transept. The exterior is constructed of local sandstone, which has weathered over time to give the building its distinct muted color. The cathedral sits on the site of an earlier church, parts of which are occasionally referenced in historical archaeological surveys.
The side aisle looking toward the Mary Magdalene fresco; use a wide-angle lens for the nave architecture.
Walk around the exterior to the adjacent Prato park for a panoramic view of the Tuscan landscape.
Check for temporary liturgical events or private ceremonies that may restrict access to the nave.
Bring a pair of binoculars to better view the high-mounted stained glass details.
Do not enter during ongoing religious services, as this is a functioning place of worship.
May close periodically for private weddings or funeral services.
Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered; hats should be removed upon entering.
