The Ideal City

Pienza is situated in one the most beautiful - if not the most beautiful - territories in all of Italy. So glorious, in fact, that Ridley Scott chose it for the Elysian Fields in the film Gladiator! Founded by Pope Pius II (Enea Silvio Piccolomini) with the Florentine Renaissance architect Bernardo Rossellino, this ideal city is based on concepts of humanism with a focus on harmony with nature (Pienza and also the entire Val d’Orcia are UNESCO World Heritage sites).

Monte Amiata and the Val d'Orcia as seen from the gardens of Palazzo Piccolomini.

Inside the Cathedral of Pienza.

Santa Maria Assunta, Cathedral of the Assumption, Pienza.

Town Hall

Loggia of Palazzo Piccolomini

Who wouldn't want to live here?

One of the many romantically named little streets in Pienza.

Pienza's 15th-century public housing.

An hour by car or 2 hours with public transport from Siena, Pienza is in the heart of the stunning Val d’Orcia. Famous for its pecorino (sheep) cheese and pici pasta, you will remember the flavours of this town for years to come.

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