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Visit Pienza

Pienza is an Italian town that is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site - and set in the Val d'Orcia which is also listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Landscape! it is also listed as an Orange Flag town in recognition of its efforts to support sustainable tourism.

This important destination is situated a few kilometres west of Montepulciano in southern Tuscany.

A great deal of the building work is attributable to Pope Pius II in the 15th century (See history of Pienza.)

A visit will start from the Porta al Prato and the gothic style Church of St. Francis - the church was not affected by the fifteenth century changes to the town and therefore it has kept its original 14th century character. The church interior is recommended for the important works of art, like the wooden crucifix by the school of Duccio di Buoninsegna (1255 ca.-1318) and a table by Luca Signorelli (1445-1523).

Pienza Palaces: Continuing along the route there are the great mansions of Cardinal Giacomo Ammannati Piccolomini (1422-1479), friend of Pope Pius II, and of Solomon Piccolomini, both of which present a fusion of styles, combining the medieval and the fifteenth century.

But surely the most impressive palace, which cost a great deal for its construction, is the Palazzo Piccolomini (left), designed by Leon Battista Alberti, and with great details both in the decorative motifs and in the mullioned windows. No less impressive is the interior where the large courtyard stands surrounded by a loggia, through which you go up to enter the magnificent roof garden, which is adorned on the sides by a series of three overlapping loggias.

Next to the Palazzo Piccolomini in Piazza Maggiore, designed by Bernardo Rossellino, stands Pienza Cathedral, also designed by Pius II, who wished his Cathedral to be inspired by the so-called Hallenkirchen model of German churches - in fact, although divided into three naves, stylistically it gives the impression of an unique hall, as is usual with the Hallenkirchen style. The façade is very elegant and refined, and clad in travertine (typical for the school of Leon Battista Alberti), with three Roman arches surmounted by a rose window, framed in the clearly defined upper triangle. Note that the same marble facing was used for the adjacent tower.

Also in Piazza Maggiore, near the Cathedral, see the Rectory, made more interesting by the presence on its upper floors of the Cathedral Museum, which houses exceptional works of the Sienese school, such as the paintings by Lorenzo di Pietro (called the “Vecchietta”, 1412-1480) and Bartolo di Fredi (1330 ca.-1409 ca.).

Just opposite the Cathedral stands Pienza Town Hall, a building of extraordinary artistic value, which was designed by Bernardo Rossellino and then realized by Pietro Paolo Purrina and Paolo Puccio; it is surrounded by a portico with a façade decorated in graffiti and at the side of which stands the tower. After the Town Hall and taking Via Rossellino we reach not only Gonzaga and Jouffroy Palaces, of pure 15th century style, but also some houses for the poor (about 13), built at the express wish of Pope Pius II.

Finally, following along Castle Street, we reach the town walls. Built and consolidated in the fifteenth century, from the summit of these you can enjoy the scenery then visit the ancient Corsignano church (7th century, reworked in the 12th century), a Romanesque building.

Pienza cuisine and restaurants

Outside the city walls, the Val d'Orcia offer visitors delightful countryside, today dotted with typical places where you can taste wines of considerable value, some considered among the best in the world, and traditional dishes including cheese and truffles. We recommend, among the hors d’oeuvres, the famous bruschetta; among the first courses, the Panzanella (soup in chicken broth, eggs and cheese); and among the main courses the Pappardelle with hare.