Why a Tuscany Holiday is Incomplete Without a Visit to Gorgeous Pienza!

Also known as the Ideal Italy, Pienza is a heart-stopping UNESCO World Heritage Site and an absolutely gorgeous place that hypnotises visitors with numerous charms, including a mind-blowing countryside, rolling hills, several expressions of Renaissance architectural perfection, and delicious wines that pamper the taste buds with divine, award-winning aromas and flavours.  

Set between the picturesque Montalcino and Montepulciano regions, in the very heart of the idyllic Val d’Orcia area, Pienza is the reason why Pope Pius II hometown was rebuild, and a place that has rightfully conquered a top spot in the Best Tuscan cities list. Here are some must-try things in this lovely Italian corner. 

1. Visit the Pope’s House

Pope Pius II had a vision – to transform fortified Corsignano, his hometown, into a Utopian city and the perfect Renaissance city. In his attempt, he endowed his home village with new buildings, including the impressive Palazzo Piccolomini and the adorable Piazza Pio II, and made Pienza his summer court. Besides ground-breaking architecture, Corsignano-turned-into-Pienza features a captivating garden hosting three tiered loggias that look as if floating over the ravishing Val d’Orcia terrain! 

2. Stroll through the planned historical centre 

Pienza is a fine sample of exceptional urban planning, thanks to Pope Pius II, who also desired a hometown that would be worthy of his residence. At first, his forward-thinking project included the imposing cathedral that would sit majestically in the main square, along with the town hall, the Borgia mansion and the Piccolomini mansion. 

Soon, this became a much larger and more extended undertaking and covered the entire town. Although Pope Pius and his master mind, architect Rosselino, did not manage to fully complete their project, wandering around the Piazza Pio II will not let you down. Expect an utterly rewarding experience, as you go past sights that can only be described with a single word – perfection. No wonder Pienza is one of the best examples of European urban planning to date!  

3. Explore the Cathedral

The Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral (or also referred to as the Duomo of Pienza) is a superb design of the infamous Bernardo Rossellino and one of the most magnificent examples of Renaissance churches. Take a closer look at it as you go through its glorious gate, and you will be mesmerised by the duality of the chosen architectural style. The exterior is constructed following classical lines while the interior has clear influences from the south German churches and their distinctive Gothic style. Of course, Pope Pius II took things even further and commissioned paintings from the most notable painters to embellish the church’s chambers. 

4. Go on a wine-tasting tour

Nicely tucked between two of the most significant Italian wine regions (the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the Brunello di Montalcino), Pienza is, indeed, the best place to start a wine-tasting adventure in Tuscany. Besides sampling palate-pleasing wines with explosive tastes, you will also be able to spoil yourself with exquisite panoramas of the Tuscan countryside, the picture-perfect Val d’Orcia, and the delicious Italian cheeses that are produced in Pienza. Very few people actually know that Pienza has its own pecorino cheese that is usually served with a tasty black pepper and cheese sauce called pici cacio e pepe – you can thank us later! 

Tip: Speaking of cheese, Pienza citizens have a blast every September, during the Palio del Cacio Fuso festival, where a wheel of cheese is the protagonist and challenges teams from the various Pienza neighbourhoods! 

5. Delve into the luxuries of an elegant Pienza villa

Pienza mansions are renowned for their exquisite style, full-range amenities, top tier services, and world-class facilities. From fully-equipped kitchens and awe-inspiring architecture to beautiful vistas of the Pienza terrain, they offer utmost pampering and stellar experiences as you go about your daily endeavours. And, depending on the concierge service agency you work with, you may even have special, private, and exclusive tours and experiences arranged on your behalf! 

1. Final Thoughts 

Whether for its spellbinding landscape, romantic Renaissance architecture, heart-filling panoramas, or unique ventures that open up in front of you at Pienza, this is definitely a paradisal destination that can fulfil whatever wish or need you had when planning your Italian holidays! Enjoy!