Pienza

Pienza is the symbol town of the Val d’Orcia, a very interesting stop that can be visited together with Montalcino, Montepulciano, Bagn Vignoni and San Quirico d’Orcia, by having one entire day dedicated to the beauty of this valley.

Apart from being the capital of pecorino cheese, typical of Val d’Orcia, Pienza is also the first “ideal town” of Renaissance, created according to the golden number by Enea Silvio Piccolomini, when he became Pope Pius II and transformed his birthvillage (Corsignano) in the actual town that took his name.

The project was carried out by the architect Bernardo Rossellino under the guidance of Leon Battista Alberti. Today we can admire the cathedral, the pope’s residence (Palazzo Piccolomini), the city hall and the enchanting central square.

Apart from the nice artistic and gastronomy shops, the view on the Val D’Orcia and Mount Amiata is simply amazing.