Pienza

Pienza is a small town in Tuscany that feels like stepping into a postcard. It's known as the "ideal city of the Renaissance" because Pope Pius II transformed his hometown into an urban masterpiece in the 15th century. The town's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with perfectly planned streets and elegant buildings that showcase Renaissance architecture at its finest.

The main square, Piazza Pio II, is surrounded by beautiful buildings including the Duomo and Palazzo Piccolomini. From the palazzo's gardens, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Val d'Orcia landscape with its rolling hills and cypress trees. This view has been featured in countless films, including scenes from "The English Patient" and "Gladiator."

Beyond architecture, Pienza is famous for its Pecorino cheese. Local shepherds have been making this delicious sheep's milk cheese for centuries, and it remains an important part of the local economy and cuisine. The narrow streets are lined with shops selling various ages of Pecorino, from fresh to aged varieties.

While small, Pienza packs a lot of charm and history into its compact size. The town's layout was revolutionary for its time and influenced urban planning throughout Europe. Today, it remains one of the most perfectly preserved Renaissance towns in Italy.