Pienza Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Pienza showing a square or plaza, a monument and heritage architecture
Pienza which includes a small town or village and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Pienza showing heritage architecture
Pienza featuring food
Pienza

Marvel at architectural wonders, browse artisan’s shops and people-watch at pavement cafés in this Renaissance town set amid Tuscany’s glorious countryside.

Pienza is a storybook hill town and a popular place to visit in Tuscany’s Siena province. Originally called Corsignano, it is Italy’s first planned town, born out of the vision of Enea Silvius Piccolomini. After becoming Pope Pius II in 1458, Piccolomini set about creating a Renaissance town with majestic churches, palaces and squares. Today, Pienza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its walled old town bears testament to the late pope’s dream.

Start your visit at Piazza Pio II, the historic quarter’s central square. Gaze in awe at the Cathedral of PienzaOpens in a new window, home to work by artists from the Sienese School. Explore the regal rooms of Palazzo Piccolomini, built as a summer retreat for the pope and his family. The palace’s manicured garden affords uninterrupted views over the Val d’Orcia valley.

On the square’s east side is the Palazzo Borgia. It houses the Diocesan Museum, which has exhibitions of art and jewellery from the 13th to 19th centuries.

Brick-paved streets radiate from Piazza Pio II and lead to pretty squares, characterised by houses with shuttered windows and flower-filled balconies. Peek inside handicraft stores and watch the world go by from a café terrace. Look for the medieval Church of San Francesco, which predates the town’s urban makeover.

Stroll around the exterior of the town walls and pause at imposing gateways, including Porta al Prato. Go to the Romanesque hillside church, Pieve di Corsignano. Stay a while and admire the olive groves and vineyards of Val d’Orcia.

A fun time to visit Pienza is in early September for the Fiera del Cacio, a celebration of the locally produced pecorino cheese. Don’t miss the Palio del Cacio Fuso, when people compete in a closest-to-the-target cheese-rolling contest. Sample pecorino cheese at the festival’s market stalls or year-round at the town’s osterie (taverns).

Pienza is about a 1-hour drive southwest from SienaOpens in a new window. Street parking is available for a fee outside the walled district and there’re designated bicycle parking areas, too. An idyllic daytrip and weekend destination, Pienza is also a great base for visiting Val d’Orcia’s other hill towns such as MontalcinoOpens in a new window and MonticchielloOpens in a new window.

Hotel Relais II Chiostro di Pienza

Hotel Relais II Chiostro di Pienza

4 out of 5
Corso Rossellino 26, Pienza, SI
The price is AU$126 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$126
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Pienza. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (600 reviews)
"The perfect location. Gorgeous property. Excellent breakfast."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Hotel Relais II Chiostro di Pienza
Hotel San Gregorio

Hotel San Gregorio

3 out of 5
Via Della Madonnina 4, Pienza, SI
The price is AU$214 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
AU$214
4 Nov - 5 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly residence in Pienza. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and room service. Popular attractions RI Crea RE and Enoteca Di ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (130 reviews)
"Excellent property! Very elegant and the service was wonderful. The breakfast was also excellent. The location could not be any better - the entry to the old town is just across from the hotel. Wish we could have stayed longer."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Hotel San Gregorio
Hotel Corsignano

Hotel Corsignano

4 out of 5
Via Della Madonnina 11, Pienza, SI
The price is AU$235 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
AU$235
12 Nov - 13 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Pienza. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (318 reviews)
"Enjoyed the hotel. Great location, quality breakfast and rooms."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Hotel Corsignano
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel San Gregorio

Hotel San Gregorio

3 out of 5
Via Della Madonnina 4, Pienza, SI
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly residence in Pienza. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and room service. Popular attractions RI Crea RE and Enoteca Di ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (130 reviews)
"Excellent property! Very elegant and the service was wonderful. The breakfast was also excellent. The location could not be any better - the entry to the old town is just across from the hotel. Wish we could have stayed longer."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Hotel San Gregorio
Whole big Tuscan Villa with Pool & Vineyards in the Heart of Tuscany

Whole big Tuscan Villa with Pool & Vineyards in the Heart of Tuscany

Pienza
Stay at this villa in Pienza. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Art Studio di Adelina Quadri and La Foce are located ...
Family Vacation
"4 mile dive down a rocky road to get to the property.There was no heat in the house, could not use the fireplace, the pool was frigid, the lighting was terrible. The caretakers were nice but would not return there."

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2023

Whole big Tuscan Villa with Pool & Vineyards in the Heart of Tuscany
Beautiful Tuscan farmhouse in a great location near Val D'Orcia & private pool

Beautiful Tuscan farmhouse in a great location near Val D'Orcia & private pool

Pienza
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Pienza. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Piazza delle Sorgenti and Tenuta Sanone ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"We relaxed around the pool and lounged in the water. It was chilly but felt great on sore muscles. We visited with 6 friends. There was plenty of room for us. Good supply of dishes, glasses, pots and pans. We used the washer and drying rack too.It's a great location to explore Southern Tuscany. Plenty ..."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Beautiful Tuscan farmhouse in a great location near Val D'Orcia & private pool
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Pienza

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Top destination
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