My Reasons to Visit Pienza Valley in Siena Italy
Pienza is a tiny village in southern Tuscany, amidst gentle undulating hills and wonderful natural landscapes, in the beautiful valley called Val d’Orcia. It is located between the villages Montalcino and Montepulciano. Not just its captivating natural beauty there are more compelling Reasons to Visit Pienza Valley.
The town is also famous as birth place of Pope Pius II. He redesigned the entire village and rebuilt it as an ideal renaissance town, used it as retreat from Rome.
Guide to Visiting Pienza
Terracotta Sculpture by Piero Sharbluzzo in Pienza
UNESCO Sites
Added to the natural scenic beauty is the fact that in 1996 the historic centre of the city of Pienza was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. We took our own sweet time to drive through the roads of Tuscan to reach this pretty town of Pienza. Val D’Orcia, and the rest of the country side of Tuscany along with its little towns is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy.
Once more I was glad we did the best thing to visit this place by car, we could halt and drive at our own pace.
Pienza has good combination of History and art. The cathedrals are worth visiting. The Tuscan fields and flowers make the road trip to Pienza memorable.
The first thing we did was to buy ice cream cones and then we started the walking tour of Pienza.
Pieve di Corsignano – Church in Pienza
Pieve di Corsignano is located on the western edge of Hill Pienza. Origins of this church dates back to 7th century but the present Romanesque style is from the 12th century. Pienza was called Corsignano then. Surprisingly we found the church relatively empty, each of its three naves has an altar and to our right as we entered we could see the original baptismal font where both Pope Pius II and his nephew Pope Pius III were baptized.
The Duomo, centuries old, had plenty of signs of old age like cracks and fissures in walls and floors. Yet the interiors still have a charm and ambiance of olden times.
Ceiling of Pieve di Corsignano – Church in Pienza
Palazzo Piccolomini Pienza
The Palazzo Piccolomini at Pienza was built by Enea Silvio Piccolomini. He was Pope from 1458 to 1464, under the name of Pius II. In 1459, he constructed a palace for himself and his Cardinals in his small native town of Pienza. What a location! It has the commanding view stretching from over the valley, the Val d’Orcia, to the slopes of Monte Amiata.
The Palazzo was designed by Rossellino. He added an Italianate hanging garden out the left side of the inner courtyard. The garden has loggias on three sides and a splendid view from the fourth side, seen through an arched wall.
Well in front of Palazzo Piccolomini Pienza
The view from Plazzo Piccolomini was spectacular; this was the home to Pope Pius II and his descendants.
Walls of Palazzo Piccolomini Pienza
Valley of Val d’Orcia in Tuscany
In 2004 the entire valley of Val d’Orcia, was included on the list of UNESCO’s World Cultural Landscapes. We were there in early spring, the flowers were not in full bloom, and the vast plains were green.
Valley of Val d’Orcia Pienza
Pecorino Cheese – Food Souvenir from Pienza
Last but not the least I wanted to witness the Pecorino cheese festival, but I missed it. Have you ever had cheese made from Sheep milk or rather Ewe’s milk? If no, then Pienza id the place.
Do read: Italian Pecorino Cheese, Pienza’s Pride and Secret
Souvenir Shops in Pienza
Wandering through the streets of Pienza I happened upon this shop with were a variety of items to catch your attention. It had a large collection of gift items from book marks, key chains, terracotta and porcelain to T-shirts. All at very reasonable prices, prices that won’t ‘break the bank’.
Souvenir Shop In The Medieval Village Of Pienza Italy Tuscany picture
Is it worth visiting Pienza?
If you have time for visiting just ONE City in Tuscany, then let it be Pinza. I am head over heels in love with this teeny-weeny town of Pienza and once you walk through the historical sites and city, munch on Pecorino di Pienza cheese while sipping on a glass of local wine, explore the medieval era churches and scan through their stunning souvenirs, I bet you too will feel the same way.
Parting Thoughts from Pienza in Tuscany Italy
We spent more than an hour here, just loitering around. After the day’s long drive from Pisa to Gimignano to Siena to Pienza, we felt a lot relaxed here. This was Day 15 of our 21 days road trip through Italy.
The place wasn’t crowded; it was a good decision to reach there by car, trying to reach there by train can be a huge exercise. As I was leaving the place I felt sad. Will I be able to visit this place and other places left behind for the second time in my life?
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The landscape is so Under the Tuscan Sun!
so beautiful! I wish I was there.
Its so beautiful and peaceful!
Wonderful series of pictures, great views!
I love the country side.
The village and landscapes are as lovely as they can get.
I would find it risky to live so close to the street, like in the second photo. Step out and you are practically on the driveway. Strange.
Looks so neat and clean 🙂
This place is beautiful.
Since this charming village is in such a beautiful setting, I hope you will be able to get back there. I would love to visit there myself!
You managed to visit all nooks and corners of Italy ! How nice !
Very beautiful country place. Looked so relaxing and peaceful.
looks like a wonderful place to explore. the views are breathtaking indeed.
Beautiful place. The view from the top is amazing.
I hope you will be able to visit the place again.
You can actually breathe in that fresh air as you look at these pictures! Lovely, quiet and serene and most important.. CLEAN!
Marvellous photos of a lovely country!
beautiful landscape and fascinating town. marvelous photos.
Beautiful and so typical for the region.
Looks like a great place to loiter!
That looks like a great place to visit. Nice background and history.
Glorious country!
Aloha from Hawaii
Comfort Spiral
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What a wonderful place to visit. Your shots are all so good. At least you have the photographs to remember it by if you aren't able to go back.
I found many places I visited in Italy were crowded with fellow-tourists and too little time to reflex on the beautiful surroundings. Pienza seems like a path less traveled with a gorgeous valley view that offers travelers a chance to meditate.
I do so enjoy the trips you have taken us on through your superb photos, Indrani! As I have said before, they are the next best thing to being there myself! Thanks for sharing! These are magnificent as always! Enjoy your week!
Sylvia
The Italian pictures are great.
Beautiful pictures.Greetings Andrzej.
Lovely pictures from Italy…well done.
Greetings, Joop
I hope you do find yourself in this village again, for more than an hour next time.