Pienza is rarely one of the most common tourist destinations for those visiting Tuscany. Facing Florence, Pisa or Siena, who would get lost in the countryside of the Val d’Orcia to go and discover a provincial town? Yet there will be a reason if the entire municipality became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996! We are in the province of Siena, in a landscape made up of soft hills, cypresses, streams and tree-lined streets… and medieval villages that emerge here and there.
Until the fifteenth century Pienza was a village called Corsignano.
But Pope Pio II was born in that village who, traveling north in 1462 and seeing how his native place was reduced to poverty, decided to re-evaluate it.
In a few years the degraded village became an orderly and elegant town, the “city of Pio”, Pienza, in fact.
But what did Pio II do that was so extraordinary, who among other things died before seeing the work completed? Just go to Pienza today to understand it.
The papal architect who was entrusted with the revaluation project of the place was inspired by that “ideal city” so often painted and never built.
And in fact the historic center of Pienza recalls a little that Renaissance order of lines, colors and styles.
The main square is surrounded by the cathedral, town hall, Palazzo Borgia, Palazzo Piccolomini.
The Renaissance beauty of the white Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is completed by the interiors, simple in the decorations but beautiful with light Gothic lines.
The town hall, on the other hand, is more austere, although the arches and the tower always recall the Gothic memory of the nearby cathedral.
Palazzo Piccolomini, owned by the Pope’s family, has a mighty ashlar that hides, inside, lighter arcades and a beautiful Renaissance garden.
Much simpler and more austere is the small Palazzo Borgia, a gift from Pio II to his Spanish cardinal friend, the future Pope Alexander Borgia. It is currently the seat of the bishop and the Diocesan Museum.
Pienza is famous for its country churches, the so-called “parish churches”.
Many are medieval, others date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Among the most beautiful to see:
• Saints Leonardo and Cristoforo,
• Santa Maria dello Spino (in the locality of Monticchiello),
• Saints Vito and Modesto in Corsignano.
To admire the large monastic complex of the sixteenth century, Sant’Anna in Camprena, you need to book a room. Because today it has become a charming farmhouse and still dominates the valley as in the past.
The hermitage, one of the oldest hermitage convents in Tuscany, is very beautiful. Dug into the rock, it dates back to the early fourteenth century and includes several rooms overlooking the panorama of Val d’Orcia.
But an itinerary around Pienza will also include a visit to its castles.
The beautiful Spedaletto castle (12th century remodeled in 1446), the suggestive Castelluccio dei Bifolchi (13th century) and the much more modern castle of Cosona with a facade restored at the beginning of the 20th century.
Pienza is reached via the A1 motorway with the Chiusi-Chianciano Terme exit and continuing to Chianciano for another 30 km.
Or, coming down from Florence you pass by the Valdichiana continuing for 20 km. From Siena you will take the Statale 2.
Those arriving by train will get off at Chiusi-Chianciano Terme station and from there will continue with the regional bus lines.
The reference airports are Florence and Pisa.
If you can’t wait to visit the town of Pienza and its attractions, we recommend that you treat yourself to a relaxing stay in the Tuscan countryside and reach Pienza within a day, it is about two hours from Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort!
The best panoramic points in Mugello to know before visiting this beautiful land. Mugello, a hidden gem in the heart of Tuscany, is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and stunning vistas. If you’re visiting, there are numerous must-see panoramic point to know before visiting this beautiful land. 1. Monte Giovi Monte Giovi offers a […]
Mugello is a hidden gem offering a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. One of the most authentic and fascinating experiences you can have in this land is a horseback ride. Traversing the rolling hills, woods, and medieval villages of Mugello on horseback allows you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of […]
Tuscany, an Italian region renowned for its cultural and historical wealth, is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites represent not just the architectural and artistic beauty of the region but also its significant historical heritage.
Italian cuisine, celebrated globally, is a mosaic of flavors and traditions. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the bustling streets of Naples, each region contributes its unique essence to what we recognize as Italian cuisine. This culinary journey explores how history, culture, and regional diversity have shaped the renowned gastronomy of Italy.
Tuscany is world-renowned for its rich winemaking tradition, a heritage rooted in centuries of history and culture. In this detailed guide, which is like a true oenological journey, we will discover not only the fine wines of the region but also the traditions and landscapes that make Tuscany an unmissable destination for wine lovers.
In the heart of Italy, Tuscany stands out as one of the most emblematic regions for wine production. Famous for its landscape of gentle hills, cypress trees, and picturesque villages, this region is also a paradise for wine lovers. Tuscan vineyards, nourished by fertile soil and an ideal climate, produce wines that are appreciated worldwide […]
For those looking for a firsthand experience, the Agricultural Tourism Company Badia di Susinana offers horseback rides and trekking and riding courses with a guide, in addition to hospitality for horses and riders, located in Palazzuolo sul Senio. Alternatively, the Farm I Cavalli del Vento allows crossing beech forests and vast chestnut groves, with rides […]
Sport fishing in Tuscany offers a wide range of opportunities due to the abundance of inland and coastal waters in the region. Specifically, the province of Pistoia, with Lake Nievole in Serravalle Pistoiese, is renowned for trout fishing and other fish such as carp, grass carp, tench, and sturgeon, with a catch and release rule. […]