#Tuscany,  travel

Picturesque Pienza: The Ideal Renaissance Town #Travel

An Italian Pearl: Pienza

Pienza, the picturesque Italian town, originally known as the village of Corsignano, is in Val d’Orcia, between Montepulciano and Montelcino, close to and south of Siena.  Pienza is the birthplace and home of Enea Silvio Piccolomini,  a Renaissance Humanist who later became Pope Pius II in 1458. The Renaissance, known as the period (14th-17th Century) in which Europe experienced a great cultural rebirth, which manifested itself in the marvelous art, architecture, sculptures and literature of the period. Humanism, or human perspective, was the philosophy that permeated the art world at that time.  In 1949, Pope Pius II used his money, power and influence to commission the rebuilding and renaming of his birthplace, Corsignano, into the ideal Renaissance town, which we know today as Pienza.  Pienza is exactly that, an outstanding manifestation of all things Renaissance, in terms of its astonishing art and architecture.  In fact, the Historic city center and the whole town of Pienza itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you truly want to explore art and history when visiting the Tuscan region, without the crowds, do not miss the quaint, picturesque, Renaissance town of Pienza. Here are some things to see, do and taste in Pienza:

TO SEE in Pienza:
As Piccolomini, or later, Pope Pius II, transformed Pienza into his ideal Renaissance town, he ordered the building of many palazzi  to beautify the city.  He hired the famous architect and sculptor, Bernardo “il Rossellino,” to design the city under the guidance of another quintessential Renaissance Man, Leon Battista Alberti.  You must see what they produced:
Palazzo Piccolomini-this self-titled palazzo was the home of Silvio Piccolomini.  It has magnificent and most impressive loggias on all three floors to ponder over the breathtaking gardens and panoramas of the Val d’Orcia Valley. Of note, too, is that scenes from Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet, were filmed at Palazzo Piccolomini.
Palazzo Piccolomini

Palazzo Communale-the town square or city hall

Palazzo Communale

Palazzo Borgia-also known as museo Diocesano, a beautiful museum.

Palazzo Borgia

Cattedrale dell’Assunta-the duomo, or church of Pienza, also known as Domus Vitrea, or house of glass due to its beautiful stained glass windows. Examine the beautiful artwork and paintings and admire the octagonal bell tower.

Duomo, Cattedrale dell’Assunta

Other palazzi of note are Palazzo degli Ammannati, Palazzo Tommaso Piccolomini, Palazzo Salomone Piccolomini, Palazzo del Tesoriere and Palazzo Lolli.

All of these fabulous palazzi are centrally located in Piazza Pio II.
Piazza Pio II

Pieve di Corsignano-the Romanesque Church that was around when Pienza was Corsignano.

Image result for Pieve di Corsignano pienza pinterest
Pieve di Corsignano

TO DO in Pienza:

Throughout the year, Pienza has several festivals to celebrate art, music and more!
Fiera del Cacio-Cheese festival.  Pienza is known not only for being a true Renaissance town, but the city is also known for its delicous cheeses (cacio). The city celebrates its cheese with tastings and events all week and culminates with Fiera del Cacio, which involves a historical parade and show with flag throwers and drummers.  The winning cheese producer for each category is announced and then the Palio del Cacio al Fuso (a game involving a cheese race) is played.
Watch this brief video of the Palio/Fiera del Cacio: 

Via dell’Amore-When in Pienza, you must walk on the road of love, you just have to.  Also admire the art and architecture and quaint shops.

Visit  Neighboring Towns– Montepulciano, Montelcino and Siena are all nearby, you can’t be that close and not visit those historic towns and villages as well.

TO TASTE in Pienza:
As noted, Pienza is famous for its cheese, as it is also called La Citta del Cacio, or city of cheese. The town is recognized for the local product made in the area, the flavorful  Pecorino di Pienza DOP, which is also referred to as cacio. In Italy, they tend to refer to cheese as cacio in the south, formaggio in the north.  Therefore, you must taste some cacio while in Pienza.
Cacio e Pepe-The classic dish of cheese and pepper, often made with homemade pici, or pasta.

Other things to taste in Pienza include other local cheeses and honey, fondue with mixed sheeps cheeses, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Pollo al Mattone, Bruschetta della sciorna and Biscotti di Prato. As Pienza is in Tuscany, you will find the typical Tuscan gastronomy of olive oil, cured meats and truffles, ribollita (soup), lamb and wild boar.  

Wine-Pienza is not a huge wine producing town per se, but you may find local restaurants and shops that have homemade wine and small local production wines.  However, Pienza doesn’t have to make wine–they have neighbors who produce Vino Nobile di Montepuciano, Morellino di Scansano, Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montelcino. When in Pienza, there is an abundance of excellent wine at your fingertips.
The Wining Hour in Pienza
So, of course we sip the good stuff.  We always enjoy delicious Brunello di Montelcino.Tenuta Lamiata 2009 Brunello di Montelcino is a favorite. With its dark purple appearance and aromas of black cherry, tobacco, earth, cassis and spice, this wine does not disappoint. The palate explodes with succulent blackberry and boysenberry, awesome freshness and fine tannins. It scored 90 points from James Suckling, who calls it. “A delicate, delicious Brunello with plum, cocoa and hints of hazelnut character. Medium to full body with a delicate finish. Outstanding energy at the end. Drink or hold.” Our thoughts exactly.

When in La Bella Italia, specifically Tuscana, be sure to see this picturesque pearl-Pienza.  For more of Italy’s lesser known pearls…

Check out these other unique towns of Italy from my fellow bloggers.  If you catch this in time you can join us on a live chat Saturday November 5th at 11am EST on Twitter at #ItalianFWT.  Hope to see you there!
Lugana: Italy’s (Mostly) Hidden Gem by Martin Redmond, ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
Going Home to Capaccio-Paestum (see below) by Danielle Oteri, Feast On History
A Weekend Guide To Visiting Camogli by Valerie Quintanilla, Girl’s Gotta Drink
Norcia: Gastronomic Delights and Tragic Earthquake by Chandi Wyant, Paradise of Exiles
Positively Piceno by Mike Madaio, Undiscovered Italy
Wines on the Island of Sardinia with Vigne Surrau by Jennifer Genitle Martin, Vino Travels
Picturesque Pienza: The Ideal Renaissance Town by Li Valentine, The Wining Hour
(alphabetical by blog name)
 
Find us on Twitter with the hashtag #ItalianFWT
About The Wining Hour
The Wining Hour writes about wine, Italy and global travel.  The Wining Hour boutique caters to wine-lovers across the globe by offering all wine-related items.  The Wining Hour markets unique wine décor and furnishings, accessories, glassware, barware, wine racks, storage and cooling options, games, gifts and more. The Wining Hour also hosts #wininghourchat on Twitter (@wininghourchat) on Tuesday’s at 9 p.m. EST.(For more, see links at the top of this page)
For more information, please visit www.thewininghour.com.­­­
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Planted, harvested and aged in NY. I have a background in education and marketing, with a love and passion for travel...and all things wine. In addition to writing about wine, I also maintain an online wine boutique (thewininghour.com) that caters to the winelover, as well as the weekly vinous winechat (#WiningHourChat) on Twitter (see page for more info).

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