Tuscany has enticed visitors for generations with its stunning landscapes, well-preserved medieval towns, and colorful pageants. For those same reasons, it also attracts plenty of tourists, particularly during the summer months. 

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to get off the beaten path but still enjoy authentic experiences, consider spending a few days in Arezzo. A city of about 100,000 in eastern Tuscany, Arezzo was once an important Etruscan trading post. Today, it’s famous for its churches, including the 14^th-century Basilica of San Francesco where visitors can view one of Europe’s most exquisite series of frescoes — Piero della Francesca’s The Legend of the True Cross.