Pienza (Tuscany)

Street view of the historic centre of Pienza

Tuscan country in Pienza

The Cathedral of Pienza

Pienza, a town in the province of Siena, in the Val d'Orcia in Tuscany (central Italy), between the towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino, is the "touchstone of Renaissance urbanism." In 1996, UNESCO declared the town a World Heritage Site, and in 2004 the entire valley, the Val d'Orcia, was included on the list of UNESCO's World Cultural Landscapes.

Tuscany Highlights

Culture
Shoah Memorial in Milan
International Holocaust Remembrance Day Events in Italy in 2023

Throughout Italy, this week and beyond, events and exhibitions are taking place to remember the victims and horrors of the Holocaust.

Culture
Men parade with torches at the 'Ndocciata ritual in Agnone, Molise
You've Probably Never Heard of These Christmas Customs in Italy (No, Really)

While Italy’s cast of Christmas characters includes the familiar Babbo Natale (Santa Claus) and La Befana, there are plenty more obscure figures and rituals that decorate the seasonal landscape.

Culture
Interior of the synagogue of Siena, Italy
Shining a Light on the Hidden History of Jews in Siena

In a corner of Siena free of Christmas shopping bustle and blinding lights, this Hanukkah season, one writer-scholar considers the legacy of the Tuscan city's Jewish population.

Inspired Stays
View of 25hours Hotel Florence courtyard
25hours Hotel Florence: At This Dante-Themed Design Hotel, Even "Hell" is Hospitable

With its whimsical heaven- and hell-themed rooms, candlelit lounge, and luxurious amenities, 25hours Hotel Florence is a playful and relaxing respite.

Cinema
amici miei
Dishing on Italian Film: Fegatelli all’aretina and Mario Monicelli’s Florentine Superhit

Brotherly love, a muted Florentine setting and a favorite fatty liver dish unexpectedly converge in the 1975 film Amici miei (My Friends), a capstone of Italian comedy.

What you can't miss in Tuscany

Where is Pienza

Top Experiences in Tuscany

Best places to stay in Tuscany

Properties for sale in Tuscany

Poppi Ref: 4937 1
Villa in Poppi
495000
Lounge area
Country Home - Restored in Cortona
52000
Peccioli Ref: 5144 1
Villa in Peccioli
770000
Soiana Ref: 5019 1
Town - City Home in Terricciola
550000
Castel San Niccolo Ref: 4805 1
Detached House in Castel San Niccolo
350000
Artignano Raggiolo Ref: 5143 1
Detached House in Ortignano Raggiolo
125000
House - Castellina Marittima 1
Detached House in Castellina Marittima
320000
Farmhouse - Rosignano Marittimo 1
Detached House in Rosignano Marittimo
650000

Recipes From Tuscany

Recipes
baked castagnaccio
Castagnaccio: Tuscany’s Chestnut Cake

Castagnaccio is a traditional sweet treat from Tuscany, made with chestnut flour and marvelous for fall.

Recipes
Tuscan Farro Soup
Zuppa di Farro: Tuscan Farro Soup

The first chilly fall evenings call for a satisfyingly hearty grain and legume soup.

Recipes
Pappa al Pomodoro—Tuscan Tomato-Bread Soup
Pappa al Pomodoro—Tuscan Tomato-Bread Soup

Pappa al pomodoro---a piatto povero, “poor-man’s dish,” is another such creation by Tuscan farmers to make use of stale bread and bumper crops of tomatoes, a New World food introduced into Italy in the 16thc.

Recipes
Pandiramerino (Rosemary and Sultana Buns)
Made with an olive oil-enrichened bread dough and studded with fresh rosemary and sweet sultanas, these delightfully sticky, criss-crossed buns were traditionally served on giovedì santo or Holy Thursday in the Renaissance city.
Recipes
Gnocchetti di Pane (Bread Gnocchi)
Amy Gulick shares another recipe from the Italian cucina povera tradition— with simple, ‘poor’ ingredients invariably found in the pantry.
more recipes

What others are saying about Tuscany

@linmuir asks:

Can anyone give some advice or insight into a shock tax bill I've received 2 years and 11 months after purchasing my house in Tuscany? I've received, out of the blue, a brief email from the estate agents that the sale of my property was made through.

See the answer
@jacthe asks:

Hi there, ...new to this forum and would appreciate any help. I'm sure this will be the first of many questions.

See the answer
@JanJ asks:

We are planning to drive over to our place in northern Tuscany in April with a van load of furniture (all second hand) bits and bobs for the house etc but I have suddenly realised that this may not be as straightforward as it was pre brexit!! What are the rules regarding transporting stuff now?

See the answer

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