Pienza, Italy, is a Tuscan gem, alive with history, charm, and romance. Famous for its Renaissance history and as the capital of pecorino cheese (yum!), we knew we needed to add this beautiful little hilltop town as a must-see on our trip to Tuscany. Find out everything you need to know about Pienza in our complete guide below.
The Story of Pienza, Italy
During our Tuscany road trip, we visited the Renaissance town of Pienza. It lies in the most southern part of the region (Val d’Orcia), only 15 kilometers from Montepulciano, and is named after Pope Pius. He hired architect Bernard Rossellino to create the perfect town, now a UNESCO site.
Historic Center of Pienza
Renaissance architecture is everywhere you look in Pienza’s center. The cathedral and its bell tower are particularly extraordinary. We had a look inside, and there are many beautiful paintings on the walls. Afterwards, we sat down in the square outside, soaking up the sun.
Also read: best things to do in Italy
Via dell’Amore
In Pienza, romance and charm take center stage. The beautiful setting is truly magical, high up and overlooking Tuscany’s rolling hills, cypress trees, and sunflower fields. It really feels like a living, breathing oil painting.
We combined our visit with the impressive Piazza Grande at Montepulciano.
With all this beauty, it’s no surprise that Pienza is the town for lovers. Film director Franco Zeffirelli even set his movie ‘Romeo and Juliet’ here.
The streets even have romantic names, such as Via del Bacio (Kiss Street) and Via dell’Amore (Love Street). We really loved getting lost in the narrow alleys with beautiful doors and flower pots. You can even spot the laundry hanging between the buildings, giving the town its truly authentic feel.
Check out our: complete Tuscany road trip itinerary
Pecorino Cheese in Pienza, Tuscany
Did you know? Pienza is the capital of pecorino cheese! As cheese lovers, we couldn’t skip trying the local delicacy in the town’s osterias. We learned that the area is perfect for Pecorino because of the rich pastures that the sheep graze on. This is what gives the cheese a particularly delicious flavor!
Tip: If you’re visiting in September, don’t miss the annual Pecorino festival in Pienza! It’s on the first Sunday of the month.
How to Visit Pienza, Italy
The nearest international airport to Pienza is Florence, with flights to destinations across Europe.
Other options are:
By car: The village is quite remote, so there are no trains and very few buses going here. For the most flexibility, we recommend renting a car in Italy. We parked our car here (1.70 EUR per hour), but there’s also a free option.
We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Join an organized tour: Alternatively, book an organized tour of Pienza. For example, many wine tours that come from Montepulciano stop here. This one looks great!
Where to Stay
As it’s such a tiny town, we spent only 3,5 hours here, including lunch. We visited on a day trip, but it’s a lovely (and romantic!) place to use as a base in Tuscany to explore the region. There are small guesthouses and Bnbs in the center, and agriturismos (farm stays) in the valley below.
Best Cafes and Restaurants
While we roamed through the authentic Tuscan town, we found the narrow streets filled with charming osterias run by locals, using fresh, locally sourced produce. We especially loved the fantastic Italian pasta dishes (with grated pecorino cheese on top, of course!).
- La Pecora nera (Super cute osteria)
- Sette Di Vino (lovely outdoor terrace and amazing food)
- Prosit (perfect for an apretivo)
- Idyllium (cocktail bar with the best view in town)
Best Time to Visit Pienza
We visited at the end op September and loved it! It was still warm enough to jump in the pool with sunny afternoons and cozy evenings (light jacket needed).
- Best season: Fall or spring, when crowds are much smaller.
- Best time of day: We were there from 10.30 AM till 2 PM. If you want quieter streets, visit before 10 AM or after 5 PM, especially in summer.
- Pecorino festival: Visit in September to experience the annual Pecorino festival! This is a great way to see the locals in action.
Also read: The Elsa Trail in Tuscany
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