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Pienza travel guide
Guide me through Pienza
Olive groves, cypress trees, picturesque vineyards, and medieval hill-towns form the perfect postcard image of Tuscany and are a feast for every traveler’s eye. A visit to Tuscany will give you a taste of the authentic site of Italy. It will catapult you into the era of the Renaissance, especially by visiting the two gorgeous towns of Pienza and San Gimignano. Both of these spectacular destinations will leave you speechless – make your choice between them or fit both of them into your travel itinerary if time allows!
Not yet sure where to travel after Pienza?
One of Tuscany’s hidden gems presents Pienza, a picture-perfect Renaissance miniature recognized by UNESCO and the perfect base to discover the valley of Val d’Orcia.
Although being a rather small and therefore walkable town, Pienza shines with an exciting history of Pope Pius II and plenty of century-old monuments, which remain intact and are well worth a visit.
Meander through Pienza’s gorgeous cobblestone streets and small alleys and soak in the city’s undoubtedly charming atmosphere. Visit the Duomo better called Cattedrale dell’Assunta and admire its facade and frescos.
Stroll through Palazzo Piccolomini’s rooms and gardens for a spectacular view over Val d’Orcia. You can catch another great photogenic panorama from the ramparts of the city wall near Via dell’Amore.
Palazzo Borgia hosts examples of local paintings and textiles in the Diocesan museum and Palazzo Comunale presents the city’s town hall.
Since Pienza is quite compact, you might have some time on hand to explore the marvelous Val d’Orcia with a half-day tour or with your rental car. Make a little historic stopover or have a short walk to Pieve di Corsignano church just outside Pienza where Pope Pius II was baptized.
Making you feel like stepping through a time machine, ‚Medieval Manhattan‘ San Gimignano awaits you with its iconic stone towers, frescoed chapels, and fantastic white wine.
Stroll its winding lanes and narrow alleys to experience a throwback into the Renaissance era of one of Tuscany’s most spectacular hill towns. Heart of the town and unmissable are the two central squares Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo. Visit the frescoed interior of the Duomo and Palazzo Comunale and the painting collection at Pinacoteca Civica. You can find more artwork in Galleria Gagliardi and Galleria Continua.
You haven’t been to Gimignano without spending a visit to at least one of its iconic torres for an almost infinite vista above Tuscany’s breathtaking landscape. Torre Grossa is the most popular and tallest tower to climb and includes a visit to the painting gallery Pinacoteca Civica. Another interesting tower is connected to Casa Campatelli, a museum furnished with medieval furniture from a noble local family that tells the history of San Gimignano and the surrounding area.
After soaking in the view above Gimignano’s terracotta roofs, go and discover the olive groves and cypress trees interspersed landscape Tuscany is so famous for. Several shorter and longer trails lead around the city and are especially beautiful during the wildflower season in spring and early summer.
While in Pienza, don’t miss out on trying its famous Pecorino cheese, local wine, and Pici (handmade pasta).
Exploring San Gimignano? Don’t forget to treat yourself to world-class ice cream from Gelateria Dondoli, the by far most famous spot in Gimignano. Try the prized flavors Rosemary’s Baby and Crema di Santa Fina. If you’re lucky enough to be in town on a Thursday morning, explore the market stalls around Piazza del Duomo for some local delicacies and fresh produce.
A wine lover? San Gimignano is the growing zone for Tuscany’s dry white DOCG wine Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Visit the Museo del Vino Vernaccia di San Gimignano for tastings and displays of the wine’s history.
How to get to Pienza:
There is no direct connection to Pienza by public transportation. Depending on where you are traveling from, Siena serves as a perfect hub to reach Pienza via Buonconvento. There are also organized day tours to visit Pienza departing from Florence if you prefer to base yourself in Florence.
How to get to San Gimignano:
There is no direct connection to San Gimignano by public transportation. Make your way to Poggibonsi, from where you can take a bus to the city. Due to its close-by location to Florence, San Gimignano can be visited on a day trip organized by yourself or a tour company.