How old is Pienza?

The construction of Pienza started around 1459 on top of the ancient hamlet and took about four years, creating a harmonious fifteenth-century town. The untimely death of Pope Pius II put a stop to the urban reorganization of the new city, which has remained practically unchanged over the centuries.

Who built the Cathedral of Pienza?

Bernardo Rossellino
Pienza Cathedral/Architects

Who built Pienza?

In the 12th century the town was listed as Cursinianum (the suffix ‘-anum’ refers to a landed property, belonging to a family called Corsinius). Pienza itself, however, is a new city established by Pope Pius II, ie the great humanist Enea Silvio Piccolomini (1405-1464), who was born here.

Why was Pienza built?

It was in this Tuscan town that Renaissance town-planning concepts were first put into practice after Pope Pius II decided, in 1459, to transform the look of his birthplace. He chose the architect Bernardo Rossellino, who applied the principles of his mentor, Leon Battista Alberti.

What is Pienza cathedral made of?

The design is extremely clean, void of extravagant decorations or the stripes of marble that we often find in Tuscan churches. It’s all in pale travertine, divided in pillars, blind arches with columns and pilasters ( features often used by Humanist architect Leon Battista Alberti that the Pope admired so much).

What should I buy in Tuscany?

Iconic Souvenir Items to Bring Back from Tuscany

• Wine. Well, naturally!
• Cheese and Truffles. Even if you don’t consider yourself a diehard ‘foodie’ you’ll probably be aware of some of the most famous food products associated with the region.
• Olive Oil.
• Biscotti.
• Ceramics.
• Leather Goods.
• A Straw Hat.
• Alabaster and Marble.

Who designed the Cathedral of Pienza?

Pienza Cathedral/Architects

Designed by Rossellino and built in 1459, it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was erected on the ruins of the ancient Romanesque church of Santa Maria. Influenced by Leon Battista Alberti, the building has a travertine façade divided into three portals and three big arches, each with a small rechess.

What is pecorino Pienza?

The pecorino of Pienza is very highly regarded, the taste coming both from the types of grass and herbs consumed by the sheep, and the manufacturing techniques. A popular mature pecorino is Pecorino Romano, which has a hard yellow rind with a yellowish white interior.

What to do in Pienza?

It’s the realm of cypress trees, country roads and hillside landscapes. Don’t miss this corner of paradise! Every first Sunday in September, Pienza celebrates one of its main products, pecorino cheese.

Where is Pienza located?

All the things you should know about Pienza, the “ideal town”. Pienza is a small town situated in the Val d’Orcia, in the southern part of Tuscany.

What to eat in Pienza in September?

Don’t miss this corner of paradise! Every first Sunday in September, Pienza celebrates one of its main products, pecorino cheese.

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