A day in Pienza and Montepulciano

Pienza is a town in the province of Siena, located in the Val d'Orcia. The historic center of the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The Piccolomini Palace was built in 1459 on the commission of Pope Pius II, as part of the project for the reconstruction of Pienza as an ideal city. The building has a square plan and is developed on three floors, on the ground floor there is a door that overlooks the central courtyard, on the first floor there is the noble apartment with the furnishings and objects of the time there is still the room of Pope Pius II. The hanging garden overlooks the Val d'Orcia and Mount Amiata has become the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view. This marvelous palace was used for the film productions of the film 'Romeo and Juliet' and the 'Medici' series. The cathedral of Pienza is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, although it is one of the most important monuments of the Renaissance, for some details it recalls the Franciscan Gothic churches. The facade is in travertine, the interior is in Gothic style and divided into three naves. Palazzo Borgia houses the diocesan museum, the very famous is the priverio of Pius II perfectly preserved inside one of the rooms. Montepulciano is located just 10 minutes from Pienza, the most important monuments are located in the main square. To make the visit to the village beautiful are the narrow streets that open onto unexpected natural backgrounds.