Southern Tuscany
Southern Tuscany: Pienza – Montepulciano
Morning.
An absolute must to anyone interested in the Italian Renaissance is the beautiful unspoilt Renaissance town of Pienza with its fascinating urban fabric. It was built by Papal order (the Pope Silvio Piccolomini) between 1459 and 1462 and planned on the governing principles and philosophy of the Italian Renaissance. We will visit the Cathedral where there are the paintings of major artists of the period; Palazzo Piccolomini, where it is possible to visit the Pope’s bedroom and the library. Along the side of the garden is a beautiful portico, one of the first of its kind in Europe. You can also visit La Pieve di Corsignano, a church that stands in a countryside evocative of its history. The church is an exceptional example of Romanesque art and a singularly fascinating monument.
Afternoon.
In the afternoon, we will reach Montepulciano, a proud hilltop town with wonderful views over the gentle rolling hills of the Tuscan landscape. You can have a stroll through the town admiring the numerous Renaissance buildings which were planned and designed by famous architects of the period such as Antonio Sangallo, Michelozzo, Baldassarre Peruzzi.
Montepulciano is also the home of Vino Nobile; it is therefore worth visiting the huge 14th Century wine cellars for some wine tasting. Just a few kilometres outside the town stands the Church of San Biagio, another jewel of the Italian Renaissance designed by Antonio Sangallo il Vecchio.