7 Wonderful Things To Do In Pienza, Italy (One Day Guide)

ItalyDestinationsInternational TravelEuropeTuscany
Written By Juliana Summers

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Pienza is a small Renaissance gem located in Val d'Orcia that feels like it was pulled straight out of a fairytale. Think jaw-dropping panoramic views of the surrounding hills (including the ultra-famous "Gladiator field"), world-renowned pecorino cheese, and architecture so beautiful it earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

After wandering Pienza's cobblestone streets, and taking far too many photos along the way, I can confidently tell you that despite its small size, Pienza is a destination in Tuscany that should not be missed.

This guide covers everything you need to know for one perfect day in one of Val d'Orcia's most stunning towns. This includes 7 of the very best things to do in Pienza, where to eat, where to stay, how to get there, and much more. Let's go! Or rather, andiamo!

Table of Contents

Introduction
A Quick History of Pienza
Where is Pienza in Tuscany?
Map of Pienza, Italy
How to Get to Pienza
7 Best Things to Do in Pienza, Italy
Other Things to Do Near Pienza
Where to Stay in Pienza and Nearby
Where to Eat and Drink
FAQ
Final Thoughts

A Quick History of Pienza

Pienza, known as the "Ideal City," owes its charm to Pope Pius II. Originally, it was a small village called Corsignano, but the Pope dreamed of turning his hometown into a Renaissance masterpiece.

In the 15th century, he hired architect Bernardo Rossellino to redesign it into a "harmonious, humanist" city. The result? Stunning landmarks like Palazzo Piccolomini and the Pienza Cathedral. Today, this perfectly preserved hilltop town is not only stunning, but it is still considered an "ideal Renaissance city," hence the UNESCO status!

Where is Pienza in Tuscany?

Pienza is located right in the heart of Val d’Orcia, one of the most picture-perfect areas in all of Tuscany. This UNESCO World Heritage valley is filled with rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and charming medieval towns perched on hilltops. It’s essentially the idyllic Tuscan countryside you see on postcards.

Pienza is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Montepulciano is less than 20 minutes away, Montalcino is just under 30 minutes, and you can reach Florence in just about 1.5 hours by car.

Map of Pienza, Italy

Use this map to plan your trip to Pienza! The locations are organized by type. Blue pins are the “7 best things to do” locations, green pins are things to see and do nearby, purple pins are accommodations, and red pins are places to eat. Zoom in on Pienza’s historic town center to reveal the majority of the saved pins.

How to Get to Pienza

By Car

Driving lets you explore Val d'Orcia at your own pace, stopping for photos along the way. From Florence, it’s about 1.5 hours via Siena or slightly longer on the A1 highway. From Rome, it’s around 2.5 hours. Book with a reputable car rental company for peace of mind - winding roads are part of the adventure!

>> Find the best local car rental rates with AutoEurope

Where to Park in Pienza

Pienza has several parking options right outside the historic center. These are all paid parking lots, which do accept credit cards at the kiosks. During peak season (April through October), arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends.

Parcheggio Via del Cassello

By Guided Tour

If you prefer not to drive, plenty of tour companies offer day trips to Pienza combined with other Val d'Orcia highlights like Montepulciano and Montalcino. These tours typically depart from Florence or Siena, and include wine tastings and guided walks through the historic centers.

Join these top rated guided day trips if you’re visiting from another Italian city:

>>> From Siena: Pienza and Montepulciano Small-Group Tour
>>> From Florence: Val D'Orcia Tour with Wine Tasting

Or book one of these unmissable & unique experiences while you’re in Pienza:

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7 Best Things to Do in Pienza, Italy

1. Stroll Through Piazza Pio II, Pienza's Main Square

At the heart of Pienza is the gorgeous Piazza Pio II, a gem of Renaissance urban planning. The piazza's unique shape and design actually creates an optical illusion, making the square and surrounding buildings look even grander than they really are. Right in the middle, you'll find the Duomo (cathedral), with the Palazzo Piccolomini and Palazzo Borgia close by.

The best time to experience the piazza’s charm? Early in the morning, when the soft light brings out the beauty of the 15th-century facades, or during the golden hour just before sunset. Grab a coffee from a nearby café, sit back, and soak in the magic.

2. Visit the Palazzo Piccolomini and Its Gardens

The Palazzo Piccolomini, once home to Pope Pius II (the visionary behind Pienza), offers guided tours that give a glimpse into Renaissance life. But the real gem is the palazzo's hanging garden, which supposedly has some of the most breathtaking views in Val d’Orcia. Rolling hills, Monte Amiata in the background, and the quintessential Tuscan scenery stretching out endlessly before your eyes.

Full disclaimer: we missed the opening time by ~15 minutes, whoops. I’m still bummed about this.

Opening hours are typically Monday to Sunday 10:00am - 4:30pm (closed on Tuesdays), with a small entrance fee of €7 for adults. Be sure to check their official website for updated opening times and dates, since they vary throughout the year.

3. Stroll Along the City Walls for Panoramic Views

For unbeatable views without spending a dime, head to the edge of town along the top of the medieval walls. Via Gozzante has ample photo-ops (this was my personal favorite), or walk down the romantically named Via dell’Amore (Street of Love) until you reach this observation deck. These scenic walkways showcase the sweeping vistas of Val d’Orcia’s rolling hills.

On clear days, you can see Monte Amiata and the iconic cypress groves scattered across the valley. The views change throughout the day as the light shifts, so it’s worth returning at different times if you can! Photographers, this is pure gold.

4. Taste Pienza’s Famous Pecorino Cheese

Pienza is famous across Italy for its pecorino cheese, or "Pecorino di Pienza," made from sheep’s milk and aged to perfection in oak barrels. Historically, this delicious cheese was aged in local caves. Yes, caves!

The shops here offer an amazing variety of flavors, too. I made a not-so-quick stop at Marusco e Maria, a cozy shop in the heart of town where you can peruse all sorts of different types before buying. We opted for a blueberry-filled pecorino on our last trip, and now I'm dying to buy some others!

5. Enjoy Aperitivo with a View at Idyllium

For one of the most magical aperitivo experiences in Tuscany, head to Idyllium. This cocktail bar and restaurant has a terrace with jaw-dropping views over Val d’Orcia. Picture watching the sun dip below the horizon while sipping on a glass of local wine, or a creative twist on a Spritz (my fav!) - it’s as dreamy as it sounds.

Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time if you’re planning to visit at sunset, since this spot’s popularity is no surprise.

6. Visit the Iconic Gladiator Field

A stone's throw from Pienza lies one of Tuscany’s most photographed spots - the cypress grove and farmhouse featured in the movie Gladiator, otherwise known as the "Elysian Fields." This idyllic scene, with perfectly lined cypress trees leading to a rustic stone farmhouse, is a can't-miss spot for fans of the movie.

To access the Gladiator field, you will need to walk a short distance. The field is private property, with the best viewpoint located here.

Visitors have the option to park either along the main road (limited spots), or at the neighboring church's parking lot. Both of these parking spots will mean a 10-15 minute walk to the viewpoint. Alternatively, it's often easier to simply walk down from town, which is roughly a 25-30 minute walk to the panoramic viewpoint at most.

7. Wander Pienza’s Charming Streets and Shops

One of the best things to do in Pienza is simply to wander. The historic streets are full of surprises: hidden courtyards, beautifully detailed architecture, and charming artisan shops covered in beautiful blooms or cascading greenery.

Mosey down the Corso il Rossellino, the main "street" (all pedestrian-only) running through the old town. Keep an eye out for shops selling local artisan goods (like this one) - these are where you'll find real treasures.

Other Things to Do Near Pienza

Olive Oil Tasting at Mascagni Organic Farm

Located just about a 20 minute drive outside of Pienza in the rolling hills, Mascagni Organic Farm offers tours and tastings of their extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Bianca, the owner, is incredibly passionate and knowledgable about her craft.

We had such a wonderful time learning about what goes into the production of high-quality, organic EVOO. In addition to the tasting, you get to enjoy a full sit-down local food sampling. I personally cannot recommend this experience enough!

>>> Book the olive oil tasting experience right on Airbnb

They also have a charming Airbnb on their farm property, which we stayed at and truly never wanted to leave. Check availability on Airbnb for your own trip.

Photography Opportunities Outside of Town

The countryside around Pienza is a photographer’s dream, with endless scenic photo-ops. Just 15 minutes away by car is the iconic 16th century Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta, a little chapel surrounded by cypress trees.

Whether you’re heading toward San Quirico d’Orcia or towards Montepulciano, you’ll find plenty of scenic pullouts along the winding road, perfect for capturing those quintessential Val d’Orcia landscapes. Take your time and don’t be afraid to pull off to the side of the road (safely, of course) to capture the scenery. One of my favorites was Palazzo Massaini and their cypress-lined driveway, just about 5 minutes from the heart of Pienza.

Palazzo Massaini’s cypress trees

Views from Mascagni Organic Farm

Relax at the Bagno Vignoni Hot Springs

Bagno Vignoni is a picturesque village known for its ancient Roman thermal baths. While the village's main piazza thermal pool is off-limits for swimming (go see it, regardless!), just steps away is a completely free hidden gem. In the Parco dei Mulini, you can access free outdoor thermal pools with milky-blue water. Take a walk within this park and choose your ideal spot to relax in the water.

Explore Nearby Towns

Montalcino, just 20 minutes from Pienza, is a must-visit for wine lovers. This town is home to the famous Brunello wine, and has some fantastic tasting spots. Closer to Pienza is San Quirico d’Orcia, a charming little town with beautiful gardens and a quieter, more intimate vibe - perfect if you’re looking to escape the peak season crowds.


Where to Stay in Pienza and Nearby

Pienza has some incredibly charming boutique hotels and cozy bed & breakfasts right near the historic center, which are perfect for soaking up the town's atmosphere once the day-trippers have gone.

  1. La Bandita Townhouse - A chic boutique hotel in Pienza, mixing Tuscan charm with modern touches. They also offer free bikes, a lovely garden, and a terrace space to enjoy the fresh air.

  2. Agriturismo Il Casalino - A 19th-century farmhouse retreat less than 2km from the center of Pienza, with stunning Val d'Orcia views and home-cooked meals.

  3. Relais il Chiostro di Pienza - A historic 15th-century convent turned hotel with lush gardens, central location (right in the heart of Pienza!) and panoramic views.

Or, opt to stay at one of the countryside agriturismos further outside of town, where you can wake up to those famous Val d'Orcia views right outside your window. The latter was our choice on a recent trip, and it was truly magical to sip coffee amidst the rolling hills and olive trees.

My top recommendation for a Pienza-area agriturismo is the Mascagni Farmhouse Airbnb. This restored 16th century farmhouse in the countryside has heaps of historic charm, plenty of modern comforts added in (espresso machine was much appreciated), and breathtaking sunsets. Perfect for a relaxed, authentic local stay. Bonus: it's dog-friendly!

>>> Check Mascagni Farmhouse’s availability on Airbnb

Mascagni Farmhouse Airbnb

Private breakfast spot, with a dreamy view

Where to Eat and Drink

In addition to Idyllium, Pienza has plenty of wonderful restaurants focusing on local ingredients and traditional Tuscan recipes.

Look for places serving pici pasta (hand-rolled local pasta, essentially a thicker version of spaghetti), wild boar, and dishes featuring the town's famous pecorino cheese. Many restaurants have outdoor seating with valley views, making dinner just as much about the scenery as the cuisine.

  • Trattoria Latte di Luna – A charming spot in the old town open for lunch only, with a cozy and authentic dining experience.

  • Sette di Vino – A classic osteria serving homestyle Italian cuisine, complete with outdoor seating in a lovely town square.

  • Buon Gusto Gelateria – Craving something sweet? Stop by this gelateria for some of the best gelato in town.

  • La Buca delle Fate – Located in the heart of the old town, this restaurant is perfect for enjoying typical Tuscan cuisine.

FAQ

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Pienza?

A: The best time to visit Pienza is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October). These seasons will give you mild weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant, picturesque landscapes. The summer months are very hot, so I personally would avoid July and August if at all possible.

Q: Can I visit Pienza as a day trip?

A: Yes, Pienza is perfect for a day trip. Its compact size allows you to explore its charming streets, visit the famous sites, and enjoy a leisurely meal all in just one day. Even a half day would suffice, if you're trying to squeeze it into a busy itinerary.

Q: Are there any outdoor activities near Pienza?

A: Definitely! The surrounding Val d’Orcia region is ideal for walking, cycling, and photography, with its rolling hills, scenic vineyards, and incredibly picturesque cypress-lined roads. I saw tons of cyclists while visiting the Pienza area, so renting a bike is a great activity idea. Or book a guided e-bike tour through Val d'Orcia for a stress-free and unforgettable experience.

Final Thoughts

One day in Pienza is plenty of time to soak in its charm. This is the kind of town that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard, or maybe even a movie. When we first visited, I think I said "how is this real?!" about 200 times in the span of one weekend.

This Tuscan gem has a little bit of everything - stunning architecture, breathtaking views, delicious locally-sourced food, and that special Italian countryside magic. Ready to plan your trip to Val d'Orcia? Make sure to add Pienza to your must-visit list!

Buon viaggio!
Have a nice trip!

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7 Wonderful Things To Do In Pienza, Italy (One Day Guide)

Juliana Summers https://www.julianareneephotography.com
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