Thursday, more churches

This morning we went to Pieve di Santa Maria, a nearby church. It was built in the 12th century and is Arezzo's oldest.  It's facade was severe but ornate at the same time. The book says Romanesque, Inside it was a chalky grey colour with plenty of light and relatively unadorned.  The sanctuary was raised.  We quite liked it.

Next we walked back to the Duomo to look at a P d F fresco that we had missed called Mary Magdalena. Next was another church, the Basilica of San Domenico. It was small, dark,  had some old deteriorating frescos and the wooden cross that the book said was worth a visit was definitely not to our taste.

Next stop was the house of Giogio Vasari. He was born in Arezzo in 1511. He became a painter, architect and biographer. He frescoed most of his house with portraits of people and mythological creatures.

We went to the nearby museum of medieval and modern art. The book , and the sign on the door said it was open from 8. 30 to 7pm . Trouble is,  on Thursdays you could only get in at 8.30 and 10.  It was 12, so no museum for us.  Time for lunch instead.

In the afternoon we walked several kms to a church  called Santa Maria della Grazie. It is set in it's own walled garden which is plain but very pleasant.
The church was quite small but we thought it was beautiful., well worth the walk.