Tiny Pienza is packed with history. Widely regarded as the “ideal” city of the Renaissance, Pope Pius II transformed the Italian village he was born in, into his vision of a perfect city. The Pope used his influence and affluence (assisted by architect Bernardo il Rossellino and humanist Leon Battista Alberti) to build a group of Renaissance inspired structures that are among the most photographed in Italy. Added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1996, we think that Pienza is pretty perfect too. Here are a few Pienza attractions to consider on your next trip.
Piazza Pio II
Perfect and harmonious are words often used to describe the trapezoidal layout of Piazza Pio II. While standing in the center of Piazza Pio II, admire Gothic and Renaissance inspired structures including Piccolomini Palace, the cathedral, the Well of the Dogs, the raised garden and the bell tower, with the herringbone paving tying this masterpiece together. Fun fact: Pope Pius II was born Enea Silvio Piccolomini in 1405 to an exiled Sienese family.
Palazzo Piccolomini
Palazzo Piccolomini served as the summer home of Pope Pius II. This stunning structure was built in 1459 and recently underwent major renovations to restore it both internally and externally. Visitors will first notice its relationship with nature and the surrounding
Pecorino di Pienza
Landscape, with the portico at the rear of Palazzo Piccolomini opening for a breathtaking view of the Val d’Orcia Valley and Monte Amiata. Fun fact: Palazzo Piccolomini is home to the first hanging garden of the Renaissance.
There’s pecorino, then there’s pecorino di Pienza. Revered by cheese connoisseurs around the world, pecorino di Pienza is made from raw milk from sarda sheep. The sheep roam the pastures surrounding Pienza, grazing on rare flora including wormwood, meadow salsify, burnet and broom. Cheese lovers may choose to age this tasty cheese for up eighteen months, so that the spicy flavor mellows and develops a tannic aftertaste and a soft, crumbly texture. Fun fact: In September during the Palio del Cacio, players in the ancient game of Palio del Fuso roll an entire round of pecorino cheese around a wooden spindle in the center of the square.
Pure Adventures
Want to experience Pienza for yourself? Many of our Tuscany self-guided cycling tours start or end here! On our 4-night Tuscany and 7-night Tuscany tours, travellers spend two nights in Pienza, and routes take you past where the movie The English Patient was filmed, through pristine streets and a memorable circular route around this pretty and perfect Renaissance city.