Tuscany, like a fine wine, has been some time in the making...

From the Etruscans to the Romans to the Renaissance, Tuscany is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculpture to frescoes and architectural masterpieces.

Visitors to Tuscany come for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art, others to explore the extraordinary countryside. Gourmets and wine buffs descend on Tuscany to enjoy the simple yet wonderful cuisine and wine. Walkers enjoy the mountain paths, cyclists the rolling hills, summer vacationers the sea coast and islands. Students come to learn the beautiful Italian language and culture.

There is a lot to see and do in Tuscany, the difficulty is really where to start. Certainly most should start with Florence, then continue on to Siena and Pisa. The roll call of città di arte, cities of art, is daunting: Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimignano and Lucca are all striking. The more you come to know the region, the more extraordinary Tuscany appears.

Pienza, is a lovely hill town near Siena. offering you spectacular views of the Sienese countryside. It is a rare example of Renaissance town building. Around the central square of Pienza are the most important buildings: the Cathedral, "Palazzo Piccolomini", "Palazzo Borgia" and "Palazzo dei Priori

Must see sights:

The Duomo of Pienza stands in the central Piazza. It has single nave and lateral aisles and a travertine facade which is a splendid specimen of the architecture of the transiction from the Gothic to the Renaissance. It contains many art works by the most famous Sienese painters.

Palazzo Piccolomini was the Pope's residence. Nowadays, it hosts and preserves many objects of the Piccolomini Family. The courtyard has fine composite columns on which rests the internal facade with three loggias all around, one above the other and a roof-garden from where a very pretty view can be admired. Inside the Palace are the sumptuous Hall of Arms,  the library, the studio and the bedroom of Pope PIO II. In the piazza there is the beautiful travertine well by the Florentine school. 

Palazzo Borgia: The Palace is the seat of the "Museo Diocesano", one of the most important museums in the province of Siena for the artistic treasures and numerous pieces on display. It preserves, in its 11 rooms, many works of the Sienese school, by P.Lorenzetti, Bartolo di Fredi, Vecchietta and Luca Signorelli. It also exhibits illuminated manuscripts by Sano di Pietro, Flemish tapestries, silverware and finally the cape of PIO II, an extraordinary sample of quality and richness of particulars.

Palazzo Comunale: (Town Hall) Built in 1462, characterised by an ample portico with travertine Ionic colums, today it is the seat of the local government.

The Church of San Francescot is one of the most ancient Franciscan buildings in Italy, dating back to the XIII century. On the walls is the story of St. Francis of Assisi. Notable works of art by Luca Signorelli and of other Sienese painters.

The streets are filled with craft shops, restaurants serving typical Tuscan fare, shops selling “pecorino di Pienza”  sheep’s milk cheese, salami  and wine, of course.

In the surrounding area:

Pieve di Corsignano: Outside of the historical center  of Pienza, is a Romanesque parish church, characterized by a cylindric tower and a decorated fortress with mythological and fantastic themes.

The Castle of Spedaletto:
Just 9 km. from Pienza. This medieval fortress is an important example of a many towered and fortified castle. Inside there is a small church with gothic portal and a nice rose window.

Pienza events and festivals:

May = Passing of "Mille Miglia" historical car race.

July = Teatro Povero di Monticchiello; theatre spectacle, ideated, written and produced by the people of the village of Monticchiello, a small borgo close to Pienza.

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.