Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 9am-6pm Jun-Nov, from 10am Dec-May)
This Romanesque church at the entrance to town
dates from the 10th century, when Pienza was called Corsignano, and boasts a strange cir-
cular bell tower with eight arched windows. Look closely to discern the carving of a two-
headed siren over the main doorway and scenes of the Three Kings and Nativity on the
side doorway to the right.
Inside the church is the baptismal font where Pius II was christened.
Sleeping
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 offshoot of the fabulous La Bandita rural retreat is Pienza's best sleeping option.
Occupying a remodelled Renaissance-era convent, it offers 12 luxurious rooms and suites
with a minimalist decor, a communal library/lounge and a laid-back cafe and wine bar.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
€€€
Eating
Osteria Sette di Vino
( 0578 74 90 92; Piazza di Spagna 1; meals €16; 12.30-2.30pm & 7.30-10pm Thu-Tue)
Known
for its
zuppa di pane e fagioli
(bread and white-bean soup),
bruschette
and range of local
pecorino
cheese, this simple place is run by the exuberant Luciano, who is immortalised
as Bacchus in a copy of Caravaggio's famous painting hanging above the main counter.
There are indoor and outdoor tables. Cash only; no coffee; book ahead.
TUSCAN
€
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
pizzeria, which is a great place to source a cheap and quick snack. Try the
pizza pummarò
(with cherry tomatoes,
mozzarella di bufala
and basil).
PIZZERIA
€
Townhouse Caffè
( 0578 74 90 05;
www.labanditatownhouse.com
; Via Rossellino 111, enter from Via San Andrea; break-
fast €10, light lunch €15, dinner €30; 7-11pm Mon & Tue, 8am-11pm Wed-Sun,)
After visiting
Piazza Pio II, consider spending an hour or two lingering over a light lunch, coffee or
MODERN TUSCAN
€€
