Location: Pienza
Top Things to do in Pienza
Top 10 Things to do in Pienza, Tuscany
Pienza, a town in Tuscany, is the "touchstone of Renaissance urbanism." In 1996, UNESCO declared the town a World Heritage Site and in 2004 the entire valley, the Val d'Orcia, was included on the list of Unesco’s World Cultural Landscapes. Pienza was the birthplace of Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini, who would become Pope Pius II. After he became Pope, Piccolomini had the entire village rebuilt as an ideal Renaissance town that would serve as a retreat from Rome.
Restaurants in Pienza
1. Artemisia Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By davidwU2728PJ - Gricignano di Aversa, Italy
If you want a beautiful piece of artwork to remind you of that special Tuscany visit - this is the place to go!!! I have known Isabella for over 5 years now and she is the best. Her artwork is beautiful and will look amazing on your wall. You will easily pay 3x as much for artwork in other Tuscan cities that does not have the color and features that Isabella is able to produce. Go there! Buy something! You will not regret it!
2. Il Duomo di Pienza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 574 reviews
Reviewed By DMinFlorida - Tallahassee, United States
It's well worth getting off the main road to visit this beautiful little Tuscan village, !with its unbelievable and unbeatable views
3. Piazza Pio II
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 888 reviews
Reviewed By jaybeeFL - Palm Harbor, United States
If you walk down the main artery in Pienza, the Corso Rosselino, you will run into the Piazza Pio II. Named after Pope Pius II, this piazza contains most of the main structures in Pienza--- the Duomo, city hall (Palazzo Communale), Palazzo Piccolomini and the Palazzo Borgio now the Diocesan museum. Most of these structures were the product of Rosselino who was the principal architect, engineer and builder of them at direction of Pius II.
4. Podere Il Casale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 266 reviews
Reviewed By simonwilsonjersey
Absolutely loved this perfect corner of Tuscany. From the moment we arrived there w as s a friendly welcome and a willingness to share the passion for the natural products of the farm. The restaurant is great and we also took the pizza class that was a very special 4/5 hours with the lovely Sandra who owns and runs the farm with husband, Ulisse. What a great couple. Hopefully we will return
5. Palazzo Piccolomini
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 560 reviews
Reviewed By Alistair450 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Palazzo Piccolomini, built in 1459, was the summer palace of Pope Pius 2. Pienza was his home town. The tour is definitely worthwhile as you will see many original furnishings, weapons, paintings, furniture etc.as well as having a great view over the countryside. The tour ends in the garden. Tours begin at 10.00am and run every 30 minutes. You are provided with an audio guide and the tour costs 7 Euros
6. Pieve di Corsignano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By susi924 - Australia, null
A beautiful church with a well preserved 13th century tower located on the outskirts of the town of Pienza. Step inside for a moment of quiet reflection.
7. The Checche Oak Tree
8. Riserva Naturale Lucciola Bella
9. Monticchiello
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By exeman - Tiverton, United Kingdom
Montichiello is a little gem and has so much history for such a small hill town, However, the highlight are the views of the cypress lined curving road to Montepulciano. Also a must do is the strada panoramica to Pienza on a white road.
10. Corso il Rossellino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By jaybeeFL - Palm Harbor, United States
This is the main street in Pienza and if you traverse its length, you will have encountered most of the key sites in this beautiful midieval town. It leads to the Piazza Pio II and the Duomo, the palazzo Piccolomini (Romeo and Juliet!!), the Palazzo Borgio (now a museum), Church of S. Francisco, not to mention an untold number of shops and restaurants. Take your time and bask in the history and beauty of this place. Then walk to the rear of the Duomo and take in the spectacular view of the valley below. Only in Tuscany!!!
