Pienza Attractions
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Penza lies in southeastern Tuscany near the borders of Umbria, some 55km/34mi southeast of Siena and 15km/9mi west of Montepulciano.
History
Pienza owes its position as one of the most charming art towns in Tuscany to one man, Enea Silvio (Aeneas Sylvius) Piccolómini (1405-64), who became Pope as Pius II in 1458. With the help of the architect Bernardo Rossellino he transformed the insignificant village of Corisgnano, in which he had been born, into a model town laid out on clear planning principles. Work began in 1459 and advanced so quickly that three years later, on August 13th 1462, Pius II was able to issue a Bull elevating his birthplace into a town and episcopal see named Pienza (after his Papal name). After Pius's death, however, the development of the town came to a halt.
History
Pienza owes its position as one of the most charming art towns in Tuscany to one man, Enea Silvio (Aeneas Sylvius) Piccolómini (1405-64), who became Pope as Pius II in 1458. With the help of the architect Bernardo Rossellino he transformed the insignificant village of Corisgnano, in which he had been born, into a model town laid out on clear planning principles. Work began in 1459 and advanced so quickly that three years later, on August 13th 1462, Pius II was able to issue a Bull elevating his birthplace into a town and episcopal see named Pienza (after his Papal name). After Pius's death, however, the development of the town came to a halt.
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Piazza Pio II
Pienza's Piazza Pio II is a central gathering point in the city. Buildings surrounding the piazza include the cathedral, Bishop's palace, Palazzo Piccolómini, and the Palazzo Comunale.
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Palazzo Piccolómini
The Palazzo Piccolómini is a masterpiece of Rossellino's, which today contains displays of period furniture, weapons, and art.
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Monticchiello, Italy
(Near Pienza)
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Piazza Pio II, Pienza
