Italian culture and history: Pienza, the Ideal City
Pienza – the City of Pius. This pleasant city, situated in Val D'Orcia's heart (near Siena, in Tuscany), is considered to be the incarnation of a Renaissance utopia and an ideal city. Having obtained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, today it continues to show off to the world its refined and sophisticated Renaissance urban plan....
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The Best Small Towns in Tuscany for a Dreamy Italian Escape
There’s no way around it – Tuscany is home to some of the most charming small towns in the world. From awe-inspiring hilltop perches offering panoramic views of rolling vineyards to hidden gems nestled within lush valleys, each exudes a distinct character and beckons with a rich tapestry of history and culture. Imagine wandering through ancient all...
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Tourists blamed for silencing Italian bell tower that locals say they cannot sleep without
Sleep-deprived tourists have been blamed for silencing a historic Italian clocktower by dismayed locals who argue that they cannot slumber without its bells tolling. The centuries-old tower in Pienza, a Renaissance gem south of Siena, will be silent between 10pm and 7am because of complaints made by foreign visitors staying in nearby hotels and bed...
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Tuscany: Pienza, the ideal city. Unesco Site since 1996
The historic centre of Pienza, like the Val d'Orcia that welcomes it, has been a Unesco heritage site since 1996, and it could not be otherwise, since Pienza is the "ideal" Renaissance city commissioned by Pope Pius II. The most important monuments of the city, reworked between 1459 and 1462, are located in the square of the same name. The backgrou...
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