Picturesque Pienza: The Ideal Renaissance Town #Travel

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:

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.

Piazza Pio II

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

Pieve di Corsignano

TO DO in Pienza:

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.

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:

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.  

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.