Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pienza is the historical-architectural jewel that represents the Renaissance incarnation of the "ideal city". The organization of spaces, perspectives, squares and large buildings make up an urban mosaic known all over the world and recognized as an expression of human creative genius. The credit goes to the great humanist Enea Silvio Piccolomini who, having become Pope Pius II, allocated huge economic resources to transform his small native village into a utopian city capable of representing the urban planning and architectural principles of the Renaissance. The architect Bernardo Rossellino succeeded in just four years between 1459 and 1462 to define the layout of today's Pienza, an elegant and harmonious city that Giovanni Pascoli defined "born from a thought of love and a dream of beauty".
This wealth is well represented by Piazza Pio II which, characterized by light buildings built in travertine stone, brings together in a few meters the Cathedral of the Assumption with its delicate balance between Gothic and Renaissance forms, Palazzo Piccolomini (also called Palazzo Pontificio), town hall and bishop's palace. The square is the fulcrum and the highest expression of Pienza's identity, but the city as a whole offers emotions and suggestions simply by getting lost in its alleys, configuring a dream destination even for many lovers who can find romantic atmospheres and breathtaking landscapes.
A few steps from the historic center, we recommend the parish church of Corsignano, a 7th century Romanesque church immersed in the countryside and easily recognizable by its cylindrical bell tower. Humble and imposing, it has a bare interior with three naves leading to three altars, with a crypt underground and with a beautiful spring where Pius II himself was baptized. Finally, a visit to Pienza cannot ignore the tasting of the famous pecorino, the refined and tasty gastronomic excellence that has contributed to making this area famous in the world, making it a stop also for lovers of good cheese.
