Pienza

Travel Guide
Pienza featuring heritage architecture and a small town or village as well as a small group of people
Marvel at architectural wonders, browse artisan’s shops and people-watch at pavement cafés in this Renaissance town set amid Tuscany’s glorious countryside.

Pienza is a storybook hill town and a popular place to visit in Tuscany’s Siena province. Originally called Corsignano, it is Italy’s first planned town, born out of the vision of Enea Silvius Piccolomini. After becoming Pope Pius II in 1458, Piccolomini set about creating a Renaissance town with majestic churches, palaces and squares. Today, Pienza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its walled old town bears testament to the late pope’s dream.

Start your visit at Piazza Pio II, the historic quarter’s central square. Gaze in awe at the Cathedral of Pienza, home to work by artists from the Sienese School. Explore the regal rooms of Palazzo Piccolomini, built as a summer retreat for the pope and his family. The palace’s manicured garden affords uninterrupted views over the Val d’Orcia valley.

On the square’s east side is the Palazzo Borgia. It houses the Diocesan Museum, which has exhibitions of art and jewelry from the 13th to 19th centuries.

Brick-paved streets radiate from Piazza Pio II and lead to pretty squares, characterized by houses with shuttered windows and flower-filled balconies. Peek inside handicraft stores and watch the world go by from a café terrace. Look for the medieval Church of San Francesco, which predates the town’s urban makeover.

Stroll around the exterior of the town walls and pause at imposing gateways, including Porta al Prato. Go to the Romanesque hillside church, Pieve di Corsignano. Stay a while and admire the olive groves and vineyards of Val d’Orcia.

A fun time to visit Pienza is in early September for the Fiera del Cacio, a celebration of the locally produced pecorino cheese. Don’t miss the Palio del Cacio Fuso, when people compete in a closest-to-the-target cheese-rolling contest. Sample pecorino cheese at the festival’s market stalls or year-round at the town’s osterie (taverns).

Pienza is about a 1-hour drive southwest from Siena. Street parking is available for a fee outside the walled district and there’re designated bicycle parking areas, too. An idyllic daytrip and weekend destination, Pienza is also a great base for visiting Val d’Orcia’s other hill towns such as Montalcino and Monticchiello.

Hotel Relais II Chiostro di Pienza
Hotel Relais II Chiostro di Pienza
4 out of 5
Corso Rossellino 26, Pienza, SI
The price is NT$2,125 per night from Apr 3 to Apr 4
NT$2,125
per night
Apr 3 - Apr 4
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Pienza. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Palazzo Piccolomini and Historic Centre of Pienza ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (475 reviews)
"Too exhausted by travel to write. We enjoyed our stay here."

Reviewed on 2023/11/6

Hotel Relais II Chiostro di Pienza
Hotel Corsignano
Hotel Corsignano
4 out of 5
Via Della Madonnina 11, Pienza, SI
The price is NT$4,460 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$4,460
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Pienza. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (234 reviews)
Great location!
"Nice hotel. Great location walking distance to everything. Good breakfast i cluding gluten free bread and other items. No music nor ambiance in bar/ salon."

Reviewed on 2023/11/15

Hotel Corsignano
Hotel San Gregorio
Hotel San Gregorio
3 out of 5
Via Della Madonnina 4, Pienza, Siena
The price is NT$4,079 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$4,079
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly residence in Pienza. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 spa tubs. Popular attractions RI Crea RE and Enoteca Di Ghino ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (93 reviews)
"Good place for road-trip"

Reviewed on 2023/11/23

Hotel San Gregorio
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bosco della Spina
Bosco della Spina
via della Tinaia 13, Murlo, SI
Stay at this business-friendly residence in Murlo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Basso Merse Nature Reserve and Castello ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (119 reviews)
"Charming property in midst of magical Tuscany."

Reviewed on 2023/11/9

Bosco della Spina
Hotel San Gregorio
Hotel San Gregorio
3 out of 5
Via Della Madonnina 4, Pienza, Siena
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly residence in Pienza. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 spa tubs. Popular attractions RI Crea RE and Enoteca Di Ghino ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (93 reviews)
"Good place for road-trip"

Reviewed on 2023/11/23

Hotel San Gregorio
Casanova - Panoramic Rooms and Suites
Casanova - Panoramic Rooms and Suites
3 out of 5
Strada Provinciale 146 di Chianciano, Località Casanova 6/c, San Quirico d'Orcia
Stay at this 3-star spa residence in San Quirico d'Orcia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Palazzo Chigi and Horti Leonini ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (17 reviews)
"Beautiful location convenient to many Tuscany sites."

Reviewed on 2023/10/22

Casanova - Panoramic Rooms and Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Pienza

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
13
" "5 - Excellent 81.25%
4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 18.75%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 19, 2019

A lovely place to visit.

4/5 - Good

Nad
May 7, 2019

Small area and 1 day is Moreno than enough

5/5 - Excellent

Jim
Dec 17, 2018

Beautiful Medieval town with breathtaking view of Val d'Orcia, just like out of a picture.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 10, 2018

Amazing city , my favorite of all tuscany

5/5 - Excellent

Dr.Agnoli
Sep 22, 2018

Historical landmarks. Great restaurants.

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