All Inclusive Pienza Pass

Why You Should Pick This Pass

The charming Tuscan village of Pienza is nicknamed the 'city of the Renaissance,' and is an absolute must-visit. Your pass comes with access to the Palazzo Piccolomini, a city palace overlooking the breathtaking landscape of the Val d’Orcia. This was once the where the Pope and his family resided, and is home to a beautiful collection of Renaissance art. You also get to see the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. The light which enters through the windows of the apse here gives the impression of being inside glass walls instead of stone walls. On the left of the cathedral, enter the church of San Giovanni, also called the 'crypt,' where the baptismal font designed by Rossellino is preserved. Explore the cathedral labyrinth here - a system of drainage tunnels that were dug under the apse to minimise the risk of collapse of the structure above. The highlight of your visit will be the Diocesan Museum of Pienza (located inside the Bishop's Palace), most famous for the important works of art conserved here. Thse include panels of the 14th century, such as the Madonna with Child by Pietro Lorenzetti.

All Inclusive Pienza Pass

Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Pienza on this all-inclusive sightseeing tour that includes access to four architectural wonders in the main square, Palazzo Piccolomini, its hanging Renaissance gardens, the labyrinth beneath the apse of the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Diocesan Museum of Pienza. This 2-day pass allows you to explore at your own pace with audio guides available in multiple languages including English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese. The tour covers an area of approximately two acres around the main square and includes visits to the cathedral, bishop's palace, and a museum. You will spend about 3 hours exploring each location, marveling at works of art, intricate mosaics, and architectural details that have made Pienza a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.

Explore Architectural Wonders in the Main Square

Your tour stops at the main square of Pienza where you can admire four architectural wonders built between 1459 and 1462. The cathedral, Palazzo Piccolomini, and other buildings are part of a harmonious ensemble designed by architect Bernardo Gambarelli da Rimini for Pope Pius II in the Renaissance style. The cathedral is approximately 30 meters long and features an impressive facade with Romanesque elements. Inside, visitors can see the intricate mosaics dating back to the 15th century. Additionally, the Palazzo Piccolomini houses a hanging garden that covers about 200 square meters and offers stunning views of the Val d'Orcia landscape. This ensemble is unique because it represents one of the earliest examples of Renaissance urban planning in Italy.

Discover Palazzo Piccolomini's Hanging Gardens

At Palazzo Piccolomini, guests can explore the hanging gardens that cover an area of approximately 200 square meters and are filled with lush greenery. The palace was constructed between 1459 and 1462 under the direction of Pope Pius II as a residence for his nephew Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini, who later became Pope Pius III. Inside the palace, visitors can also see frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Pope Pius II, including one that spans over 50 square meters and dates back to the late 15th century. The gardens are unique because they offer a panoramic view of the Val d'Orcia and were built using advanced engineering techniques for their time.

Marvel at Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral

Your tour takes you inside the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta where light played a crucial role in its construction. The cathedral, completed in 1462, is approximately 30 meters long and features intricate mosaics covering over 50 square meters dating back to the 15th century. Visitors can also explore the labyrinth dug under the apse of the cathedral, which covers an area of about 100 square meters and was discovered in 1962 during restoration work. The cathedral is unique because it represents one of the earliest examples of Renaissance architecture in Italy, with its design emphasizing symmetry and proportion.

View Artworks at Diocesan Museum

The tour also includes a visit to the Diocesan Museum located inside the Bishop's Palace where you can marvel at works of art preserved since 1975. The museum covers an area of approximately 200 square meters and houses over 1,000 religious artifacts including paintings, sculptures, and liturgical objects from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Notable artworks include a crucifix by Duccio di Buoninsegna dating back to 1295 and a painting of the Madonna del Parto by Piero della Francesca completed in 1467. The museum is unique because it provides visitors with an extensive collection of religious art that reflects the artistic heritage of Pienza and its surrounding areas.

Tour Highlights

• Check out architectural wonders at main square
• Explore Palazzo Piccolomini’s hanging gardens
• Discover light's role in Santa Maria Assunta cathedral construction
• Visit labyrinth under the apse of the cathedral
• Marvel at artworks at Diocesan Museum inside Bishop's Palace
• Audio guides available in multiple languages
• Access to four key landmarks and one museum
• Convenient 2-day pass with flexible exploration time

Perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and architecture buffs, this all-inclusive sightseeing tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore Pienza's rich cultural heritage. The 2-day format allows you to delve deep into the history of landmarks such as the cathedral, Palazzo Piccolomini, and Diocesan Museum while enjoying the unique architectural features that make Pienza a UNESCO World Heritage site.