Full Day Guided Tour Itinerary Example 3: Bagno Vignoni – San Quirico d'Orcia – Pienza A.M.:
Visit to the hamlet of Bagno Vignoni, noted place for thermal baths since the time of the Romans. It was frequented by both Saint Catherine of Siena and the famous Medici family. Exceptional is
its square, made up of a great pool of natural spring water and completely enclosed by medieval and renaissance buildings. Visit
to San Quirico d'Orcia, where the main monument is the Romanesque collegiate church. In it is preserved a wonderful inlayed choir made at the end of the 15th
century which was originally located in the Duomo in Siena and an altar painting by the artist Sano di Pietro. San Quirico also is home to an interesting example of a renaissance garden by Horti Leonini.
P.M.:Visit to the city of Pienza, unique realization of an example of an "Ideal City of the Renaissance". One can admire the
splendid cathedral, positioned in the central square of the city, Palazzo Piccolomini Museum (summer residence of Pope Pius II, who commissioned and had executed the city's renovation, admission £5.000), the
cardinal palace of Rodrigo Borgia (today the Bishop's Palace) which now houses the notable Diocesan Museum (admission £5.000), and the City Hall (Palazzo Communale). The town was planned and built between 1459 and 1462 by Bernardo Gambarelli, nicknamed Rossellino, one of the most famous Florentine architects of his time.
Pope Pius II, born Enea Silvio Piccolomini, was also a great humanistic, who desired that his native town of Corsignano be transformed into a splendid renaissance city which today is Pienza.
The tour includes visits to the medieval and renaissance quarters of the city and the panoramic streets with splendid views of the Orcia Valley.
*Upon request, reservations may also be made for lunch in a noted local restaurant. |
