Pienza the City of Pope Pious II

The history of Pienza is tightly linked to that of Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who was born in Pienza in 1405 (+1464) and who became Pope in 1458, taking the name of Pio II.

A great humanist, Pio II wanted to transform his birthplace from a small medieval village (the ancient Castello di Corsignano was recognized in 828) into a papal residence in the Renaissance style.

Of the original plan designed by Bernardo Gambarelli, know as "il Rossellino" who was a student of Leon Battista Alberti, many 14th century palaces remain today along the Corso Rossellino.

In Piazza Pio II - the heart of the town - stands the Cathedral and the principal historic palaces of Pienza.

1. Cathedral of Assunta

2. Piccolomini palace

3. Borgia palace

4. Town palace (information office)

5. Ammannati palace (on the corner, the cofe "La Posta")

6. Pieve of Corsignano

7. Circonvallazione (panorama from via Circonvallazione)

Cathedral of Assunta

A cathedral of rich Gothic inspiration which has many paintings by the famous Sienese school. Among the art works represented are:

• The Assumption by Lorenzo of Pietro

• The Virgin with Child by Sano of Pietro

• Altar piece by Giovanni of Paolo and Matteo of Giovanni

Fragments of Romanesque sculpture are preserved in the crypt.

Piccolomini palace

The Rucellai Palace in Florence inspired Rossellino's design of the Piccolomini Palace, the principal residence of the Pope.

Today it is a museum that preserves many interesting heirlooms of the Piccolomini family.

Beautiful are the gallery, which looks out onto a hanging garden, and the courtyard inside the arches.

There is a lovely well set in an angle between the palace and Corso Rossellino.

Borgia palace

The ancient Pretorio di Corsignano palace, reconstructed by Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, the future Pope Alexander VI.

Town hall

The palace is of travertine with a shingled portico.

In the Counsel Room there is a beautiful fresco of the Sienese school of the 1400s by an unknown artist.

The tower of the Comune seen from the Corso Rossellino.

Pieve of Corsignano

Located less than 1 km from Pienza and reached by taking the romantic and scenic "via del bacio" (way of the kiss) is Pieve di Corsignano.

Its origins can be traced to the VII century, while the actual version dates back to the 12th century.

Inside is the baptismal font where Pio II and his nephew Pio III were baptized.

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