Arezzo Cathedral

Arezzo Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of SS. Donato e Pietro, is a significant Roman Catholic cathedral located in the city of Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy. It stands on a site with deep historical roots, possibly an ancient acropolis and the location of a pre-existing Palaeo-Christian church. The current structure represents a substantial Gothic architectural undertaking, with its main construction spanning from the late 13th century to the early 16th century, and its façade completed in the early 20th century.

History and Construction

The origins of Arezzo's cathedral date back to a site on Pionta Hill, associated with the burial place of Saint Donatus of Arezzo. However, in 1203, Pope Innocent III mandated the relocation of the cathedral within the city's fortified walls to its present location. The construction of the current cathedral commenced in 1277 and underwent several phases before its completion in 1511. The imposing façade, designed by Dante Viviani, was a much later addition, built between 1901 and 1914 to replace an unfinished 15th-century predecessor.

Architectural Features and Artistry

The cathedral's exterior showcases elements from its medieval origins, including a 14th-century portal on the south side. The interior is characterized by a nave and two aisles, separated by piers supporting ogival arches and covered by cross vaulting; it notably lacks a transept. A major highlight is the series of seven stained glass windows in the south aisles, created between 1516 and 1524 by Guillaume de Marcillat, who also contributed biblical frescos to the ceiling.

Notable Treasures

Arezzo Cathedral is celebrated for its rich collection of artworks. The presbytery features a large marble arch dedicated to Saint Donatus, a 14th-century Gothic-style work by Florentine, Aretine, and Sienese artists. The wooden choir of the Grand Chapel was designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1554. Among the most significant artistic pieces are the reliefs by Donatello's workshop on the hexagonal baptismal font, including a "Baptism of Christ" by Donatello himself. The Chapel of the Madonna del Confort houses terracottas by Andrea della Robbia, and the cenotaph of Guido Tarlati, lord of Arezzo, is attributed by some to Giotto. Furthermore, Piero della Francesca's iconic "Mary Magdalene" is displayed within the Duomo. Funerary monuments, including that of Pope Gregory X and Ciuto Tarlati, are also present.