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The small, charming town of Pienza is a wonderful place to explore on a Chianti tour from Florence. The inspired Renaissance architecture, coupled with stunning panoramas over undulating hills and sun-drenched vineyards, make the town an ideal destination for a leisurely trip to the Val d’Orcia. From its acclaimed cheeses to fascinating history, here are just some of the reasons why you should visit Pienza on a Chianti tour from Florence. A City of the Renaissance Pienza as we know it today was created by Enea Silvio Piccolomini, an influential humanist who became Pope Pius II. With the help of two other intellectual greats, he transformed his hometown village (then called Corsignano) into his ideal Utopian city in just four years, from 1459 to 1462. The architecture of the Cathedral, Town Hall, Palazzo Piccolomini and the piazza was designed to co-exist in romantic harmony and visitors can feel like they’re walking through a Renaissance painting. Panoramic Views The town is perched atop a hill in the Val d’Orcia, a jaw-droppingly beautiful valley in Tuscany. Pienza offers the perfect vantage point to admire the valley’s gentle rolling hills and stunning natural landscapes. Wherever you are in the town you will want to have your camera at the ready at all times. There is a reason that many Tuscan postcard pictures are snapped in this scenic town. For some of the best panoramic views, head to the hanging garden to the right of the Duomo. Pecorino Cheese A trip here wouldn’t be complete without sampling the iconic pecorino cheese that has been produced in the area since the very first settlers. The sheep's milk cheese is only made between October and July and is seasoned for two months to create its unique signature flavour. When visiting Pienza on a Chianti tour from Florence, look out for the variety known as sotto cenere (“under ashes”), as it’s widely regarded to be one of the best pecorino cheeses in Italy. Fiera del Cacio Pienza’s cheese-making prowess has had a profound impact on their culture. Every year around the beginning of September, the Fiera del Cacio festival celebrates delicious local produce, with wheels of straw-coloured cheese as the star of the show. In the evening, the town’s four neighbourhoods compete in a traditional game of cacio al fuso. The teams take turns rolling cheese wheels at the wooden spindle in the middle of the square to gain as many points as possible. The picture-perfect city of Pienza promises gorgeous views, a charming atmosphere, and mouthwatering food - but to get the most out of your visit, make sure you book your Chianti tour from Florence with a reputable company that knows the area thoroughly. This way you will get the benefit of friendly and knowledgeable local guides and the fun and intimacy of small group travel, making for a memorable first class experience all round. Author Plate Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering unforgettable tours and excursions around Italy including the best Chianti tour from Florence. Whether you want to ride a Vintage Vespa, try the famous Chianti wine or get cooking with fresh local ingredients, Mauro's company promises excitement, adventure and above all, fun. If you're keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for your next getaway.
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