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Pienza is a wonderful village that lies on a hill dominates the Val d' Orcia at about 490 amsl. The small city is approximately 50 km from Siena and is reachable travel along the Cassia until San Quirico d' Orcia and then following the indications for Pienza; or through the Siena-Bettolle exit in Sinalunga and continuing for Torrita di Siena and then for Pienza. Pienza was included in 1996 in the list of world heritage sites by UNESCO.

Originally called Corsignano, it must its aspect to the will of Pope Pio II, Enea Silvio Piccolomini, and to the work of Bernardo Gambarelli said the Rossellino. The future Pope Pio II in fact was born in Corsignano-Pienza in 1405 and when he was elect Pope in 1459 decided to embellish his home-village.

In 1462 the Pope visited the city, where the works were in advanced phase, and in August of the same year nominated it a city with the name of Pienza. At the dead of Pio II, in August 1464, the works that were not still finished, were abandoned. It was therefore that Pienza became, even if unfinished, the only example of planned city of 15th century, its plan is rectangular. The more important palaces are in square Pio II: the Cathedral, Palazzo Piccolomini, the Communal Palace, the Episcopal Palace and Palazzo Ammannati.  

Pienza is situated in a dominant charming position in the Val d' Orcia, making the round of town walls the sight spaces on wonderful panoramas. In particular two points are noteworthy: the stretch of the walk that goes towards the Cathedral from which overlooks the Val d' Orcia and the side where are the two circular towers from where is the most beautiful panorama towards the Tresa Torrent and the village of Monticchiello.

Now we continue the visit in the main square of Pienza, Piazza Pio II, that deserves its own page.

The visit continues in Piazza Pio II.

USEFUL INFORMATION:

Weekly Market in Pienza: Friday
Ex Foro Boario - Via Mencattelli

Tourist Information Office - Pienza
Informazioni e servizi turistici
Corso Rossellino, 30 Tel. e Fax 0578749905