There is a theatre dedicated to him, a street named after him and, above all, the house where he was supposedly born.

Indeed, Francesco Petrarca (or Petrarch), a writer and poet who played an important role in the development of the Italian language, is another Aretian celebrity, on a par with Piero della Francesca and Michelangelo Buonarroti (for more information about them read the two previous chapters of this tourist guide).

Born in Arezzo on July 20th, 1304, Petrarch lived eight years in the Tuscan town before following his father to Avignon, in France.

He is renowned worldwide for his "Canzoniere", a collection of lyrics about a unreciprocated love written in vernacular - that is, the language spoken common people. Actually, the lyrics illustrate the author`s inner life.

Among the buildings and villas in Arezzo (in Via Guido Monaco) stands the most important theatre of the town, which is dedicated to Petrarch. The theatre was built between 1830 and 1833. Apart from concerts and dramas, the theatre hosts also the "Guido d`Arezzo" contest, which attracts to Arezzo the most important choirs in the world.

Casa Petrarca (or Petrarch`s House) - which we have already mentioned in the chapter dedicated to Arezzo historic palaces - hosts the Accademia di Lettere, Arti e Scienze, an institution founded in the late 18th century that has been active since 1810 and boasts Manzoni and Carducci among its members.

... and now, before leaving for your rental apartment in Arezzo, do not forget to put the "Canzoniere" in your suitcase!