(map) Pienza, Tuscany
Nestled between Tuscany’s picturesque rolling hills and greenery, Pienza can almost be overlooked as a rich Renaissance landmark because of its overwhelming beauty. To avoid any possible distractions, resist the temptation to wander along the town’s edge, (which harbors unbelievable views of the countryside) and head straight into the Piazza Piccolomini.
Rebuilt as a Renaissance utopia in 1458 by Pope Pius II who grew up in Pienza, the piazza accommodates both Pius’s personal Palazzo Piccolomini and the Cattedrale dell’Assunta. A tour of the palazzo is a must in order to witness the internal courtyard and the loggias that offer spectacular views into the villa’s well-maintained gardens and hilly backdrop landscape.
The Cathedral is equally impressive in its representation of early Renaissance themes- from its Sienese altar paintings to its classically designed façade.
Living up to its reputation as the “touchstone of Renaissance urbanism”, Pienza proves to be more than just a pretty face.
- Contributed by Hanna Alster, student, American University of Rome.
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:53 pm
I really enjoyed this article. I was in Pienza last April and have some of the same photos.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Pienza is near my little village of Montisi and it is a gem! Also well-known for its pecorino cheese. Yum.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Wow! Pienza is my favorite Place in Tuscany, maybe in the whole world. It has everything ie. small town, very clean, nice shops, wonderful Pecorino Cheese, great restaurants, friendly people, and the loveliest sceinery in the world. For a Hotel with a great view try the Piccolo Hotel.
Ciao!!!!
Domenico
February 4th, 2010 at 1:09 am
Seeing your article made my day…absolutely one of the most beautiful spots in Tuscany…enjoyed a lovely sunset along that wall in Oct…glass of wine, soul mate by my side AND a sunset, perfect.
February 8th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
it just doesn’t get much better than pienza.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Gosh, everyone beat me to it. Pienza has four great restaurants. We ate in all four when we stayed in Pienza two years ago. Great location for day tripping to other Tuscan towns. We stayed outside on a farm.
February 10th, 2010 at 5:04 am
Great town of Pienza – one of our favorite towns. We’ve eaten at about all the restaurants. Will be heading that way in again this year. We stay at Cretaiole…..fabulous place. Agree with above, it doens’t get much better.
March 16th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Although I’ve never been to Pienza on my many trips to Italy, I was heartened to see that the cathedral was named for Assunta. Assunta was my mother’s name and I had never heard any reference to it as far as churches, not to mention cathedrals, are concerned. Thanks. I’ll have to be sure to visit there someday.
March 22nd, 2010 at 3:36 am
We stayed in Pienza on our way to Florence from Rome about 3 years ago. We loved Pienza, it was our favorite stop. We ate Pici pasta at Latte di Luna; the waitstaff got a kick out of our last name.
We absolutely loved the town and the views of the surrounding countryside. And even though we don’t speak Italian (yet), the people were wonderfully friendly. We can’t wait to visit again.