Elegant apartment in a palazzo in Arezzo

Often, the valuable and splendid interiors of old Italian palazzi in city centers are not immediately apparent from the outside. The apartment on the third and top floor of this three-story palazzo, which faces southeast, is located in the quiet, elevated part of Via Mazzini in the heart of Arezzo's historic center. Behind the unassuming facade lie exquisite interiors and a protected staircase. Another noteworthy feature is the adjacent building, which is the birthplace of the famous Italian court architect and painter Giorgio Vasari, who was born here on July 30, 1511.


SOME HISTORY 

Location and Building

The flat is on the third floor of a historic three-storey building in Arezzo’s city center, near Giorgio Vasari’s birthplace. Although the building’s facade is modest, it conceals an ornate, listed wrought iron staircase with a bishop’s coat of arms on the top floor balcony.

Historical Ownership

Before 1700, the building was owned by the Diocese of Arezzo, serving as accommodation for clergy. The top-floor apartment was home to Bishop Bernardino Cellesi from around 1795 to the early 19th century. An inscription in the flat’s small chapel confirms his residence and contributions to its decoration.

Interior and Frescoes

The flat features a high-vaulted prayer chapel with visible frescoes, and a restored large living room with reclaimed oak floors. The modern kitchen/dining area connects to a second living room with notable frescoes. The bedroom includes frescoes and a dressing room with a modern shower room.

Historical Context

From 1795 to 1816, Arezzo experienced significant events, including the Madonna del Conforto’s miraculous appearance and the “Viva Maria” uprising against French occupation. Bishop Cellesi supported these events and oversaw the continuation of the Chapel of Our Lady of Comfort’s construction.

The Artists

The frescoes in the flat, likely by Luigi Ademollo and Luigi Catani, may have been created as a tribute by Cellesi after their work on the chapel. The frescoes depict Biblical scenes, including the Fall of Jericho, Lot and his Daughters, and the Feast of Balthazar. The flat’s chapel features vivid scenes of the Nativity, the Flight into Egypt, and saints, while the fireplace hall includes frescoes of Jael and Sisera, and the central ceiling depicts a chariot reminiscent of Apollo.

Restoration

The frescoes were cleaned and restored from March to September 2021 by Francesca Lentini, Sandro Ceccolini, and Tommaso Sensini.

Nearest Towns:

• Castiglion Fiorentino 18.2km
• Anghiari 31km
• Sansepolcro 36.8km
• Perugia 95.4km
• Città di Castello 39.7 km
• Siena 74 km
• Firenze 77.2km

Nearest Airports:

• Perugia airport 89.9 km
• Amerigo Vespucci Airport 94.1 km
• Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport 245 km
• Pisa International Airport 155 km