Day Trip to Pienza Italy: Tuscany’s Dreamy Renaissance Town

Pienza Italy is a beautiful small town set in the heart of Tuscany and the scenic Val d’Orcia. It’s also considered the ideal Renaissance city, which we will explain all about soon. Pienza Italy is full of history, great restaurants, amazing views, and so many fun things to do. Join us as we take you through the streets of this famous medieval destination!

Day Trip to Pienza Italy

In reality, Pienza Italy isn’t that large of a town. Like many traditional villages in Tuscany, it won’t take more than a few hours to see it all.

This makes it the perfect day trip destination for those visiting the Val d’Orcia. You can even spend the night and include it in part of a larger Tuscany road trip. 

There are many ways to get to Pienza Italy from all over the country. We were staying in nearby Montepulciano Italy, which is only a 30-minute drive away. The closest big cities are Siena, Florence, and Rome, where many travelers make day trips from.

If you decide to rent a car, you can even see Pienza and the leaning tower of Pisa in the same day! Here are some fun tours to check out if you’d prefer not to drive. 

• From Florence: Val D’Orcia Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour
• From Siena: Pienza and Montepulciano Small-Group Tour
• From Rome: Tuscany Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tasting

Pienza Tuscany History

Pienza has an interesting story that every history lover will appreciate! It is known as the perfect Renaissance city because of its stunning and intricate design. We owe the construction of this timeless architecture to the humanist Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who would later become Pope Pius II.

Back in the mid-15th century, he had the money and connections to turn his birthplace into something magical! Using two of Italy’s most famous architects, he transformed the small town of Corsignano into the Pienza you see today. It would go on to become a defining village of the Renaissance, and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best Things to Do in Pienza Italy

One of the highlights of visiting Pienza Italy is its unbelievable surroundings. Pienza located in the heart of the Val d’Orcia that stretches from Siena to Monte Amiata.

The rolling hills are something out of a fairy tale, with vineyards and Tuscan villas as far as the eye can see. The best way to see the Orcia Valley is to walk the Passeggiata Panoramica along the outer walls of Pienza.

This natural pathway will give you the dreamy views you came to this part of Italy for! Be sure to check out our top tips for planning a trip to Tuscany before your visit.

Below are more of the must-see attractions in town. Take your time wandering around the colorful streets and and truly embrace it. There are so many incredible things to do in Pienza, even if you only have one day.

• Piazza Pio II: The main square of Pienza Italy and the perfect representation of the Renaissance.
• Piccolomini Palace: Summer home to Pope Pius II. The backyard holds what is considered to be the first example of a roof garden during this time period.
• Pienza Cathedral: Gorgeous cathedral built in 1462 that overlooks the main square.
• Diocesan Museum: Art museum housed in the Palazzo Borgia with works from churches around the Orcia Valley and Tuscany.
• Pienza Town Hall: Historic residence of the Priori sitting across from the cathedral.
• Val d’Orcia: Take in the beautiful valley surrounding Pienza Italy! 

Incredible Pienza Italy Food

Another reason to visit Pienza Italy is the delicious food. In addition to being the ideal Renaissance city, it is also known as the “City of Cheese.” That’s because of the world-famous sheep cheese from here called Pecorino di Pienza!

The special taste and smell of this cheese is strong, and the local product can be seen throughout the town. We recommend trying a cheese plate with wine or even having it with some pasta.

Pienza Tuscany has endless bars and restaurants to experience. Some have epic views of the Orcia Valley, while others are hidden within the ancient alleyways.

Keep in mind that Pienza is a popular tourist destination. Many of the best restaurants will have a wait for a table in the peak summer months.

It may be worth it to call ahead to see if you can make a reservation, or put your name on the waitlist and take a stroll around town in the meantime. Here are a few recommendations for where to eat on your visit!

Sette di Vino: As one of the highest-rated restaurants in town, this cute spot in a small square is great if you’re able to  score a table.

Idyllium: Upscale cocktail bar with delicious meat and cheese plates and stunning views over the Orcia Valley. 

Trattoria Latte di Luna: Charming Italian restaurant with yummy pasta dishes as well as local specialties from the area. 

Where to Stay in Pienza Italy

Pienza is not very big, so know that there are limited accommodations. Many hotels and guesthouses are located outside the village. For this reason, a lot of travelers like us visit on a day trip.

With that said, we would love to stay overnight on our next trip! We can only imagine how magical it is watching the sunset over the Val d’Orcia from a hotel balcony.

Make sure to book well in advance if you are visiting during the high season. Here are some highly-rated hotels to check out in Pienza Italy.

Piccolo Hotel La Valle: Close to the main square and all the best things to do in Pienza. Enjoy views of the Orcia Valley from their rooftop terrace.

Hotel San Gregorio: Housed in the ancient theatre of Pienza and just steps from the city center. 

Affittacamere Gozzante: Spacious rooms with desks and balconies near the bars and restaurants. 

Have any questions about this article or want to share your own favorite things to do in Pienza Italy? Leave us a comment below! 

Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake

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