Arezzo - Santa Maria della Pieve

Santa Maria della Pieve was erected over the remains of an earlier church from the early 12th century on. It was was the stronghold of the city's struggle against its feudal bishops, who were building the nearby Cathedral and a palace, that was rather a castle just outside the city walls.

It took about two centuries to complete Santa Maria della Pieve, and so there is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Most unusual is the the facade faces this small street (today "Corso Italia"), while the apse borders to the Piazza Grande.

This carving is titled "PSEPIO", "Presepio" is Italian for "Nativity Scene". A very nice "First Bath" watched by really huge Joseph.