How to Reach Pienza from La Provenca: Discover the Pearl of the Renaissance
Pienza, the Renaissance "ideal city", is one of the most precious gems of the Val d'Orcia and
an unmissable stop during your stay at Agriturismo La Provenca. This article will guide you
to discover how to easily reach Pienza and the wonders that await you, with a special focus on the
characteristic Palio del Cacio al Fuso.
How to Reach Pienza from La Provenca
Departure from Agriturismo La Provenca: take the road to Chianciano Terme.
Direction to Pienza: take the SP146 towards Montepulciano.
Signs for Pienza: after about 15 minutes, follow the signs for Pienza (about 25 km
total).
Parking: park your car in the designated areas outside the walls (Donazione parking,
Via delle Fonti parking or Via del Balzello parking).
Access to the center: from all parking areas, you can reach the historic center of
Pienza on foot in a few minutes.
La Provenca's Tip: the historic center of Pienza is a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone), so it's
important to park in the designated areas. The route is simple and scenic, through the beautiful hills of
Val d'Orcia.
What to See in Pienza: Piazza Pio II and the Historic Center
Pienza, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, owes its current appearance to Pope Pius II,
who in the 15th century wanted to transform his native village into the Renaissance "ideal city". Piazza
Pio II is the heart of this urban project and contains the main monuments:
Cathedral of the Assumption: a splendid cathedral with a Renaissance facade and Gothic
interior
Palazzo Piccolomini: papal residence with loggia and hanging garden overlooking the Val
d'Orcia
Palazzo Comunale: with its crenellated tower and ground floor loggia
Palazzo Vescovile: now home to the Diocesan Museum
In addition to the main square, don't miss the characteristic streets of the center such as Corso
Rossellino, where you'll find shops selling typical products, especially the famous Pienza pecorino
cheeses.
The Palio del Cacio al Fuso: A Unique Tradition
If you visit Pienza in the first week of September, you'll have the opportunity to witness
one of Tuscany's most characteristic events: the Palio del Cacio al Fuso.
This unique competition takes place in the splendid setting of Piazza Pio II. Here's how it works:
A spindle (the typical tool used for spinning) is placed in the center of the square
Concentric circles are drawn around the spindle, with an increasingly larger radius
and lower score
There are six teams, representing the districts of Pienza
Each team has six members and possible reserves
Competitors roll a wheel of cacio (pecorino cheese) on the paved floor of the square
The goal is to get the cheese as close as possible to the central spindle
Each member has three throws available
The team that gets the highest score wins the Palio, designed by local artists
The Palio del Cacio al Fuso is not just a competition, but a real community celebration
with historical parades in costume, banquets with typical products, and an atmosphere of contagious
cheerfulness.
Pienza and Surroundings: Other Places to Visit
Taking advantage of your visit to Pienza, we recommend exploring the surroundings as well:
The Val d'Orcia: breathtaking views among hills, cypresses, and medieval villages
Monticchiello: small medieval village a few minutes from Pienza
Bagno Vignoni: famous for its square with a Renaissance thermal pool
Montepulciano: renowned for its Nobile wine and Renaissance architecture
Return to La Provenca: Your Refuge in Val d'Orcia
After a day dedicated to discovering Pienza and the Val d'Orcia, your refuge at Agriturismo La
Provenca awaits you with all its comforts. Our accommodations are equipped with every service to
ensure you a regenerating rest after your excursions.
Our strategic location will allow you to easily visit not only Pienza, but all the main
attractions of southern Tuscany.
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