Palazzo Piccolomini Pienza
A 15th-century Renaissance gem, Palazzo Piccolomini offers untouched interiors and breathtaking Val d'Orcia views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Palazzo Piccolomini Pienza
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 15th-century Renaissance gem, Palazzo Piccolomini offers untouched interiors and breathtaking Val d'Orcia views.
"It's truly worth a visit for those interested in architecture and interior design."
📸 No Photos Inside!
Remember, photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace. Enjoy the moment!
🎟️ Audio Guides Available
Enhance your visit with informative audio guides detailing the palace's history and art.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Hanging Garden
Overlooking Val d'Orcia
A Renaissance masterpiece offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
Untouched Renaissance Interiors
First Floor
Step back in time with original furnishings, art, and rooms preserved since the 15th century.
Gladiator Filming Location
Via del Gladiatore (Terrapille)
Visit the iconic cypress-lined road where scenes from the movie 'Gladiator' were filmed.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Palazzo Piccolomini
Photography Restrictions & Garden Views
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 No Photos Inside!
Remember, photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace. Enjoy the moment!
🎟️ Audio Guides Available
Enhance your visit with informative audio guides detailing the palace's history and art.
🚶♀️ Explore Pienza's Charm
Combine your visit with exploring Pienza's 'ideal city' streets and tasting Pecorino cheese.
🌳 Garden Views are Key
Don't miss the stunning loggia and hanging garden overlooking the Val d'Orcia.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 No Photos Inside!
Remember, photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace. Enjoy the moment!
🎟️ Audio Guides Available
Enhance your visit with informative audio guides detailing the palace's history and art.
🚶♀️ Explore Pienza's Charm
Combine your visit with exploring Pienza's 'ideal city' streets and tasting Pecorino cheese.
🌳 Garden Views are Key
Don't miss the stunning loggia and hanging garden overlooking the Val d'Orcia.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Palazzo Piccolomini for its remarkably preserved Renaissance interiors and the breathtaking panoramic views from its hanging garden. It's considered a 'time capsule' offering a unique glimpse into 15th-century life. The main drawback cited is the strict no-photography policy inside the palace.
"An ancient palace, not renovated yet. Time capsule of furniture, books, art. It was lived in until 1962. Recommended. Not allowed to take pics inside."
Maia R
"Former papal residence. Untouched and fully furnished. You can visit the first floor with 13 truly beautifully furnished rooms and the adjoining garden. Guided tours with audio guides are available. Admission (in October 25) is €7. It's truly worth a visit for those interested in architecture and interior design. However, it loses one star because photography is not permitted."
D G
"Palazzo Piccolomini is undoubtedly one of Pienza's most fascinating attractions. Built in the 15th century by order of Pope Pius II, it represents one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Italy. The interior preserves period furnishings, tapestries, portraits, and rooms that recount the noble life of the past. But what is most striking is the loggia and the hanging garden overlooking the Val d'Orcia: a breathtaking, seemingly endless panorama. From up there, you can admire the Tuscan countryside in all its gentle beauty, with hills, cypress trees, and postcard-perfect farmhouses. The tour is well-organized, with clear explanations and courteous staff. It's both a cultural and visual experience, combining history and nature. I recommend taking your time to soak up the Renaissance atmosphere and enjoy the view, perhaps after visiting the nearby Cathedral. A must-see for anyone visiting Pienza."
Giulio Domenichini
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palazzo Piccolomini is located in the heart of Pienza, easily accessible by car or public transport. If driving, there are parking areas outside the historic center. Buses connect Pienza to nearby towns like Montepulciano and Siena. +1
Yes, Pienza is an excellent day trip destination from Florence or Siena, offering a glimpse into Renaissance urban planning and stunning Tuscan landscapes. +1
The iconic cypress-lined road from 'Gladiator,' known as Via del Gladiatore, is located in the Terrapille area near Pienza. It's best reached by car, and many visitors combine this with a visit to the Palazzo Piccolomini.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Admission fees are typically around €7, but this can change. Consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid queues.
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace. This is to preserve the historical integrity of the furnishings and artwork.
There is no strict dress code, but it's advisable to dress respectfully as it is a historical and former papal residence. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring.
📸 📸 Photography
Beyond the Palazzo Piccolomini's garden, wander through Pienza's charming streets like Via dell'Amore and Via del Balzello for picturesque shots. The panoramic views from the town walls are also spectacular.
The Via del Gladiatore offers iconic shots of cypress trees lining a scenic road, perfect for capturing the essence of Tuscan landscapes seen in the movie. +1
Drone usage is generally restricted in historical centers and national parks. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Pienza is famous for its Pecorino cheese! Don't miss trying different varieties, often paired with local honey or jams. Many trattorias offer traditional Tuscan dishes.
Yes, the area around Palazzo Piccolomini and Pienza's main corso offers numerous trattorias and cafes serving local specialties. Trattoria La Buca delle Fate is a recommended spot for traditional Tuscan cuisine.
While not directly within the Palazzo's garden, there are scenic spots around Pienza and in the wider Val d'Orcia region perfect for a picnic with breathtaking views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers & Film Buffs
+2Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Renaissance Ideal: Palazzo Piccolomini's Vision
The palace's interior offers a rare glimpse into the life of a 15th-century papal residence. Unlike many historical sites that have been heavily altered over centuries, Palazzo Piccolomini has been remarkably preserved, retaining much of its original furnishings, artwork, and even personal effects. Visitors can explore rooms that were once inhabited by popes and cardinals, experiencing a unique 'time capsule' of history.
The true showstopper, however, is the hanging garden. This Renaissance-style garden, designed with geometric precision, offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the rolling hills, cypress trees, and picturesque farmhouses of the Val d'Orcia. It's a place where architecture and nature converge, creating a breathtaking vista that has captivated visitors for centuries.
+1Beyond the Palace: Pienza and the Val d'Orcia
Palazzo Piccolomini is perfectly situated to explore the wider Val d'Orcia, a region famed for its iconic Tuscan landscapes. This area has become synonymous with the quintessential Italian countryside, featuring rolling hills, cypress-lined avenues, and medieval villages. It's a photographer's paradise and a dream for anyone seeking the romantic Italian aesthetic.
For film buffs, a short drive from Pienza leads to the Via del Gladiatore in Terrapille. This evocative cypress-lined road was famously used in the epic film 'Gladiator.' Standing amidst the trees, you can almost feel the cinematic grandeur of the scene.
+1
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