Best things to do in Pienza

Pienza Essentials

Pienza, redesigned by Pope Pius II as the 'Ideal City,' showcases Renaissance urban planning centered on Piazza Pio II. The landscape includes the iconic Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta and the Romanesque Pieve di Corsignano, where the pope was baptized. Architectural highlights feature Rossellino’s Palazzo Piccolomini and the Gothic San Francesco. Beyond the town walls, the fortified Castello di Spedaletto and the gardens of La Foce overlook the Val d’Orcia, while local culinary traditions are preserved at organic farms like Podere il Casale.

Pienza Essentials — Map

41099823@N00 / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

Palazzo Piccolomini, Pienza

Palazzo Piccolomini is a palace in the center of Pienza, Italy, next to the Duomo.

XV century artist / Public domain

B

Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta

A small, iconic 19th-century chapel situated in the open fields of the Val d'Orcia, known for its cypress-framed facade and Renaissance-style architecture.

lo.tangelini / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

La Foce Villa

An exceptional villa built in the 15th century located in beautiful surroundings. Enjoy many outdoor activities performed in the valley.

Assianir / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Castello di Spedaletto

A medieval fortified complex that served as a refuge for pilgrims traveling along the Via Francigena, featuring a defensive tower and a small church.

Pufui Pc Pifpef I / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Pienza Cathedral

Pienza Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Pienza, in the province of Siena, Italy.

Vignaccia76 / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Pieve, Corsignano

The Pieve di Corsignano is a Romanesque-style, Roman Catholic pieve, that is rural parish church, located in the frazione of Corsignano,…

G

Palazzo Borgia Museo Diocesano

Housed in the former residence of Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, this museum displays religious art, Flemish tapestries, and medieval sculptures from the local diocese.

Vignaccia76 / Public domain

H

Pieve dei Santi Leonardo e Cristoforo

A 13th-century Gothic church in the village of Monticchiello, featuring a rose window and well-preserved 14th-century frescoes from the Sienese school.

Vignaccia76 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

I

San Francesco, Pienza

San Francesco is a gothic-style, Roman Catholic church on Corso Rosellino in the town of Pienza, province of Siena, region of Tuscany,…

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

J

Ristorante Podere il Casale

An organic farm and restaurant specializing in raw milk pecorino cheese produced on-site, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

K

Municipio

A 15th-century Renaissance building facing the Cathedral, characterized by a ground-floor loggia with three arches and a brick clock tower.

Other Lists

Historic Buildings in Pienza Historic Churches & Religious Sites Squares and Peaks of Pienza