Thematic itineraries

Craftsmanship is the jewel in the crown of Pienza’s economy. In Tuscany, ever since the Middle Ages, the boundary between craftsmanship and art has always been blurred.

Pienza is steeped in ancient history. Evidence of a village from the Neolithic age (6th-5th millennium BC) has emerged from archaeological excavations in the area called Cava Barbieri, as well as Etruscan evidence found near the town, including the Cretaiole farm.

The Val d’Orcia is an exceptional example of remodelling of the landscape in the pre-Renaissance period, illustrating the ideals of good governance and the aesthetic research that guided its conception. The Val d’Orcia was celebrated by the painters of the Sienese school and has ‘become an icon of the scenery that profoundly influenced the development of the landscape approach’.

Perched on a hill overlooking the Val d’Orcia, Pienza is a small Renaissance jewel that combines architectural harmony and deeply-rooted agricultural traditions.

Around Pienza, just a few metres from the historic centre, you can take your pick of trekking trails and peaceful walks, by choosing several sites and places of extraordinary interest.

The Val d’Orcia is not just a UNESCO World Heritage Site landscape of hills, cypress trees and vineyards: it is also a land that invites you to slow down, breathe and rediscover yourself. Its rolling hills, the silence of the fields and the unique light at sunset create a naturally meditative and contemplative environment.

The “Path of Art and Soul” is a route featuring artistic installations created by leading 20th-century international sculptors.

Pienza, a Renaissance gem in the Val d’Orcia, is a town where every alley and square tells stories of art, architecture and daily life.