Planning a Trip

Getting There

By Train -- There's no convenient train station. You can take the main Rome-Florence line to Chiusi/Chianciano Terme, about 30km (19 miles) away, and from there an LFI bus to Montepulciano, where you can change for another bus to Pienza.

By Car -- Pienza is on the SS146 between San Quírico d'Orcia and Chiusi. From Montalcino, take the road toward Torrenieri and the SS2; take the SS2 south 7km (4 1/3 miles) to San Quírico d'Orcia, where the SS146 toward Chianciano/Chiusi runs for 10km (6 1/4 miles) to Pienza. From Siena, take the SS2 south to the SS146 (or the SS148 south through Asciano and Monte Oliveto Maggiore). You can park along the streets surrounding the city walls.

By Bus -- Tra-in buses run from Siena (five daily; 80 min.) and Montepulciano (10 daily; 20 min.) In Pienza, buy tickets at the little Edicola Libreria at Piazza Dante 8.

Visitor Information

The tourist office is under the portico of the Palazzo Pubblico on Piazza Pio II, Corso Rossellino 59 (tel./fax 0578-749-071; open daily 9:30am-1pm and 3-6:30pm). You can also find more about the city online at www.pienza.info.

Festivals & Markets

On the first Sunday in September, Pienza celebrates its peerless pecorino goat cheese in the Fiera di Cacio with a low-key medieval festival. It also tries to keep current by sponsoring modern art exhibits April through October. Market day is Friday.