Postcard from Pienza, Tuscany

Pienza, Italy

Pienza is a tiny, Renaissance town in the heart of the Val d’Orcia, Tuscany. I visited Pienza a long time ago but I still remember its stunning architecture and delicious Pecorino cheese made from sheep’s milk. Pope Pius II designed Pienza in the 15th century as an ideal town. To this day Pienza’s historical center remained virtually unchanged thus earning the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Walking through the main gate (Porta al Murello) you’ll soon find yourself at Piazza Pio II (square) with the cathedral and Piccolomini palace. Go behind the cathedral to see the town’s walls. Then go back and venture along the streets with names such as the Street of Love and the Street of Luck. Don’t forget to go outside the town’s gate again towards a small park to admire the surrounding landscape featuring rolling hills, vineyards, and cypress trees. You might even recognize that magnificent landscape from Ridley Scott’s movie the Gladiator.

Postcard from Pienza, Tuscany

Porta al Murello

cathedral of Pienza

street of Love

Pienza
looking familiar? Elysian fields from the movie the Gladiator

Pienza is an ideal town for a half day trip or even better combine it with a visit to nearby Bagno Vignoni (thermal springs) or to Montepulciano or Cortona. After all, all these wonderful Tuscan hilltop towns are only an hour and a half away from Florence by car.

11 thoughts on “Postcard from Pienza, Tuscany”

  3. So many beautiful photos, Tanja. I’ve been to Italy many many times, but never to Pienza or southern Tuscany. As I love exploring places where the typical villages of the countryside blend perfectly with the surrounding landscape, creating a unique mix, I have no choice but to put this one on my list. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  4. Your vivid descriptions truly transport me to the heart of Pienza, with its timeless Renaissance charm and scenic views. The thought of wandering through streets like the “Street of Love” and enjoying that famous Pecorino cheese is incredibly inviting. The connection to Gladiator adds an extra magical touch! Tuscany is so rich in history and beauty, and you’ve perfectly captured why it should be on everyone’s travel list. Can’t wait to explore Pienza and maybe even catch a glimpse of the Elysian fields myself!

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