Pienza is a beautiful, Renaissance-style town in southern Tuscany, close to Montepulciano and the Umbrian border. The story of Pienza and its fortunes has a lot to do with one man, Pope Pius II, who was born here, and, when he became Pope, wanted to reimagine his roots, so he employed an architect to make the town into the perfect Renaissance specimen. Turns out the architect was really onto something, and now UNESCO has listed Pienza as a World Heritage Site. This stunning architecture means that many of the best places to stay in Pienza can be found in beautiful old buildings and our pick of the properties includes a rather glamorously converted villa, and an elegantly converted monastery.

Pienza’s duomo is one of the town’s major sights, both for its exterior, and the art within. Palazzo Piccolomini, which has a roof garden with valley views, is on one of the other sides of of Pienza’s main piazza, and the Palazzo Vescovile on one of the others; the final side has the Town Hall. In the surrounding streets you'll find little shops selling local produce.

It isn’t just the architecture that makes Pienza such a classic Tuscan destination; it’s also in a spectacularly charming spot, and is famed for its production of pecorino cheese.

The best places to stay in Pienza also make wonderful bases for exploring into both Tuscany and Umbria. Within just a few miles are Montalcino, Montepulciano, Monticchello, San Quiruco d’Orca, and the hot springs at Bagno Vignoni.

The Best Places to Stay in Pienza

For Couples

• La Bandita Townhouse is an unusual find: almost magically traditional on the outside, complete with green shutters, Tuscan stone walls, and a red-tiled roof, but then wonderfully contemporary on the inside, with minimalist decor and flashes of space-age-orange in the otherwise white-on-original-stone colour scheme. Converted from a classic Tuscan villa, the hotel’s restaurant, bar and cellars benefit from vaulted stone ceilings, and the other rooms — including the 12 guest rooms — benefit from exposed beams and lots of Tuscan light. The most romantic rooms have four-poster beds — minimalist style — and stand alone bath tubs. The restaurant serves fresh Italian cuisine, with a daily changing menu.

For a Tuscan Base

• Il Chiostro di Pienza was a monastery, and has undergone a more traditional conversion. As well as original stone, beams, frescoes and Tuscan tile floors, the hotel is furnished with classic furniture and traditional artwork. The effect in the 37 rooms and suites is one of elegance, with neutral colours and soft lighting. The original cloisters have become a terrace and restaurant, some of which spreads out into the beautiful terraced gardens, where there’s also a pool with one of the most incredible Tuscan views you can imagine.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Villa?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Pienza’s closest international airport is Florence Airport, Amerigo Vespucci, which is about an hour and a half away by car, taxi or transfer, or about four and a half hours away by public transport. Pisa Airport is Tuscany’s largest, so it’s also worth considering, at about two hours away by car or taxi, or about five hours away by public transport. Bologna Airport is a similar distance, and Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport is actually closer by public transport, only about four hours away by rail and bus.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Pienza’s largest crowds arrive in September, for the annual pecorino festival, which draws producers from across the region and the countryside, as well as anyone who likes cheese! Otherwise the town is busiest in summer, coinciding with Tuscany’s busiest period. In August many Italians take their summer holidays, and many of Italy’s international guests come at the end of June, through to August. It’s hot though, with temperatures regularly hitting 30°C in July and August. So if you’re not tied into school holidays, we recommend you plan your visit for the shoulder seasons, May through to early June, or September/October. Easter in Italy is always colourful, as is Christmas.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Tuscany?
• Refine by the type of hotel you’re looking for: the best wine hotels in Tuscany? the best hotels in rural Tuscany? the best luxury hotels in Tuscany? or the best family hotels in Tuscany?
• Consider one of Pienza’s neighbours Montepulciano, Cortona or Arezzo?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.