Description:  Pienza is a renaissance town near Siena in a panoramic position overlooking the Orcia river valley. It was built by the order of Pope Enea Silvio Piccolomini in 1558. Thanks to its position, Pienza was of great importance during the Middle Ages. Pienza preserves the ancient look and several buidings and art treasures.  In 1996 UNESCO declared the town a World Heritage Site.

Sights and Attractions: The Duomo of Pienza (works by Giovanni di Paolo, Matteo di Giovanni, Lorenzo di Pietro called Vecchietta, Sano di Pietro, Matteo di Giovanni) • The travertine well on the main piazza by Rossellino • Palazzo Piccolomini • Palazzo Borgia (Seat of the "Museo Diocesano", inside are works by P.Lorenzetti, Bartolo di Fredi, Vecchietta and Luca Signorelli) • Palazzo Comunale • Church of San Francesco (works by Signorelli and others)  • Pieve di Corsignano  • Castle of Spedaletto • The thermal spas of "Bagno Vignoni" .


Museums: The "Museo Diocesano",  housed in Palazzo Borgia preserves works by Pietro  Lorenzetti, Bartolo di Fredi, Vecchietta and Luca Signorelli)

Events:May = Passing of "Mille Miglia" historical car race • July= Teatro Povero di Monticchiello; theater spectacle, ideated, written and produced by the local people in the village of Monticchiello • September = Festa del Cacio (Pecorin sheep-cheese feast)  Gastronomic festival. It is possible to taste the famous "Pecorino" cheese of Pienza and other local products.


Typical products: Pecorino sheep cheese, olive oil,  wine, truffles and salami.
Surrounding smaller towns and hamlets: Cosona, Monticchiello.
Neighboring towns: Castiglione d'Orcia, Chianciano Terme, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Radicofani, San Giovanni d'Asso, San Quirico d'Orcia, Sarteano, Torrita di Siena, Trequanda
     
Nearest airport: Florence Airport (1 hour and half) or Siena Ampugnano airport (45 min drive), but only domestic flights. International flights to Rome or Pisa.

Nearest train stations: Chiusi train station (35 km)

Public transportation: TRA-IN Bus service www.traispa.it
Distances:  Florence 116 km, Montalcino 16 km, Orvieto 80 km,  Perugia 80 km, Siena 55 km, Rome 161 km. 
 

Italy - Apartment rentals in Tuscany, not far from Chianti and half an hour from Siena 

Four apartments rentals in a quiet place, just outside of a village, sleeping from 2 to 4 guests (to a total of 13) with private parking, garden and pool more...>>