Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Stand in this magnificent square and spin 360 degrees. You have just taken in Pienza's
major monuments. Gems of the Renaissance constructed in a mere three years (between
1459 and 1462), they are arranged according to the urban design of Bernardo Rossellino,
who applied the principles of Renaissance town planning devised by his mentor, Leon
Battista Alberti.
The duomo is the focal point of the piazza. Next to it (to the right as you face the
duomo ) is Palazzo Piccolomini ( www.palazzopiccolominipienza.it ; 30-min guided tours adult/reduced
€7/5; 10am-6pm Tue-Sun mid-Mar-mid-Oct, to 4pm mid-Oct-mid-Mar) , built as Pius II's resid-
ence. This has a fine courtyard, a three-level loggia and apartments filled with an assort-
ment of period furnishings, minor art and the like. Guided tours of the 1st floor are con-
ducted every 30 minutes, but you can peek into the courtyard for free.
To the left as you face the duomo is Palazzo Vescovile , modified and enlarged in 1492 by
Roderigo Borgia, the future Pope Alexander VI. It and the adjoining Palazzo Borgia e Jouf-
frey are now home to the Museo Diocesano ( 0578 74 99 05; Corso Rossellino 30; adult/reduced
€4.50/3; 10am-1pm & 2-5pm Wed-Mon mid-Mar-Oct, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun Nov-mid-Mar) , as well
as the tourist office (enter via the courtyard onto Corso Rossellino). Tucked in behind
Palazzo Vescovile, next to the duomo , is the Casa dei Canonici (House of the Church Can-
ons).
Sleeping & Eating
La Bandita
Townhouse
( 0578 74 90 05; www.labanditatownhouse.com ; Corso Rossellino 111; r €195-495, ste €275-695;
) Conceived to give travellers a glimpse into Tuscan village life, this recently
opened hotel is Pienza's best sleeping option. Occupying a remodelled Renaissance-era
convent, it offers 12 luxurious rooms and suites with minimalist decor, as well as a com-
munal library/lounge. The same owners run the idyllic La Bandita (
BOUTIQUE HOTEL €€€
333 4046704; www.la-
) rural retreat, 14km southeast of the
bandita.com ; d €195-500;
Mar-Dec;
town.
PIZZERIA
Pummarò
(Via del Giglio 4; slice €2.20, pizza €5.50-9; to 11pm Tue-Sun; ) Look for bicycles painted
red, white and green parked in a laneway off Via Rossellino and you'll find this teensy
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