A model Renaissance town laid out by Bernardo Rossellino for
Pope Pius II in the mid 15th century. The Duomo, overlooking
the charming main piazza, has a number of good paintings of the
Sienese school, including a Madonna and Saints by Sano di Pietro
and an Assumption by Vecchietta. The Palazzo Piccolomini (the
Pope's family name), with its three-storey loggia, influenced
by Alberti's architecture in Florence, and a secluded garden,
faces Monte Amiata, where Pius II used to enjoy picnics beneath
the chestnut trees, to the amazement of his Cardinals, who were
more used to the pomp of the Vatican.
Palazzo Piccolomini Sept-June 10am-12.30pm,3-6pm daily; July-Aug 10am-12.30pm,
4-7pm, Tues-Sun. Duomo
every day 8am-1pm,2.30-7pm
Getting there
To reach Pienza, take the Cassia (S.S.2) south from Siena.
Turn left on the SS146 just before San Quirico d'Orcia
and follow signs for Pienza which is just 10km down the
road.
A model Renaissance town laid out by Bernardo Rossellino for
Pope Pius II in the mid 15th century. The Duomo, overlooking
the charming main piazza, has a number of good paintings of the
Sienese school, including a Madonna and Saints by Sano di Pietro
and an Assumption by Vecchietta. The Palazzo Piccolomini (the
Pope's family name), with its three-storey loggia, influenced
by Alberti's architecture in Florence, and a secluded garden,
faces Monte Amiata, where Pius II used to enjoy picnics beneath
the chestnut trees, to the amazement of his Cardinals, who were
more used to the pomp of the Vatican.