The old diocese of Arezzo encompassed approximately seventy parish churches, testimony to our religious and civic history. This itinerary aims to visit some of the most significant baptismal churches in the area in their tranquil surroundings, to discover that they have seen the passage of Romans, Goths, Longbards, Franks and Italians. They are still there: these
"Venerable old mothers of the Italian people", either to welcome us in prayer, or to act as treasure chests that jealously guard important artistic testimony.
We will start out from Pieve di S.Maria Assunta in Arezzo with its splendid Romanesque façade. On the archivolt of the central door, we can see the allegorical images of the months. Preserved inside is a polyptych by Pietro Lorenzetti, a crucifix painted by Margarito d'Arezzo and the reliquary bust of the martyred bishop, San Donato, patron of the city.
Bell tower of Pieve
Arezzo
Then we shall go to the outskirts of the city to Pieve di S.Eugenia al Bagnoro, which dates back to the high medieval era. Next we go to Anghiari, traveling by the SP43 (della Libbia) where we will visit Pieve di S.Maria alla Sovara, which also was built in the high medieval period (7th to the 9th century), situated at the source of the river of the same name, in an area crossed by two important Roman roads.
We will conclude our walk with Pieve di S.Maria a Micciano, just a few kilometres from Anghiari along the road to Caprese Michelangelo, which began as a baptismal church in the early Christian era. This church had great prestige as the only baptismal church of the community of Anghiari at least until 1442 when the rights of baptism were also given to The Baptistry of S.Giovanni inside the town walls.
