Pienza

Pienza, known in medieval times as Corsignano, is a beautiful Tuscan Renaissance small town, an outstanding example of architecture and urbanism of the fifteenth century. Pienza is in the center of an unspoiled territory, close to Montepulciano, south of Siena, approximately one hour from Frallarenza (65 km).
Much of his finest architecture was made by Silvio Piccolomini, who became famous as Pope Pius II; he decided to transform the medieval village Corsignano where he was born in the Renaissance town of Pienza.
Pienza was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO because of the importance of its monuments and its urban plan.
It develops around the small Piazza Pio II, designed and built around 1460, and around it are arranged the main monuments: the Duomo (Cathedral), Palazzo Piccolomini, Palazzo Borgia and Palazzo dei Priori.
The Duomo, built in 1459, was built on the ruins of the ancient church of Santa Maria, built after the mid-twelfth century.
The Palazzo Piccolomini was the residence of Pius II and his family. The facade facing the countryside has a three tiers loggia with a magnificent view over the roof-garden on 0rcia Valley and Mount Amiata. The interior has been transformed into a museum, open to visitors every day except Monday.

The Church of St. Francesco, which dates from the late thirteenth century, is one of the oldest Franciscan buildings in Italy and is the only surviving major monument of the ancient village of Corsignano, while the Romanesque Church of Corsignano (XI century) , where Pope Pius II was baptized, is located just outside the old town.

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Piazza Pio II
The Cathedral
Palazzo Piccolomini, inside facade
Palazzo Piccolomini, outside facade
Palazzo Piccolomini, Italian Gardens
Palazzo Piccolomini, view from above
Church Pieve di Corsigniano