In the heart of Val d’Orcia valley and its unique landscapes lies Pienza, one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany, in the south of the province of Siena, where just over 2,000 people live.
It is the first example of the “ideal city” of the Renaissance, built in the fifteenth century at the initiative of Pope Pius II who entrusted this task to the architect Bernardo Rossellino.
The region is famous for its tourism, especially for its gastronomy, with its charcuterie, its sheep cheeses pecorino, its olive oil and its wine.
Pienza attracts visitors both for its architectural heritage and for its small restaurants offering regional cuisine.
The village is well suited for a good half-day visit, which can be completed by a tour of the nearby sites of the Val d’Orcia.
Tourism in Pienza
The historic centre is of great artistic value and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the Renaissance by the pope Pius II (Enea Silvio Piccolomini) who wanted to make his native village called then Corsignano an ideal city (he was born there in 1405), while retaining the medieval fabric. For this he hired the greatest architects of the time, with the mission to shape a city with a humanistic face, including Bernardo Rossellino. It was built in three years, from 1459 to 1462.
Today it appears almost in its original state.
The main part of the artistic heritage of Pienza is located on its main square with its four major buildings: the cathedral, the municipal palace, the Palazzo Borgia and the Palazzo Piccolomini. The historical centre of Pienza is small and flat, ideal for a nice walk, with a long balcony that offers a splendid view on the hills of the Val d’Orcia.
See also Things to do and see in Pienza
Where is Pienza, map
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Links and sources
- General informations : en.wikipedia.org, www.comune.pienza.si.it, www.unesco.it
- Tourist portals : visitvaldorcia.it
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