Pienza
Giovanni Boccaccio made a reference to Corsignano in one of his most delightful
tales. This was the original name of the town that was later called Pienza, after
its most famous son, Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who became Pope Pius II. It was
this Pope, in fact, who inspired the radical reconstruction of the town in the
second half of the 15th century, following the precepts of the urban and aesthetic
ideals of the Renaissance. Corsignano was transformed from a simple village into
the splendid town of Pienza in an incredible short time even by modern standards.
One of the most famous architects of the period, Bernardo da Settignano (also
known as Rossellino), was entrusted with the task. The main street, which runs
from one end to the town to the other, seems longer than it actually is, thanks
to a clever use of perspective. In actual fact, the road, and thus the town, measures
a mere hundred metres from one end to the other. About half way along this road,
which has duly been named after Rossellino, there is Piazza Pio XI. This is the
architectural centre of Pienza, containing the town's most important buildings,
such as the Cathedral, Palazzo Piccolomini, Palazzo Borgia, Palazzo Ammannati
and the Palazzo Comunale. The cathedral's position and its large, south-facing
windows were chosen personally by the Pope, who wanted it to be as luminous as
possible. The three naves of equal height, inspired by the "Hallenkirchen" style,
were also built to the specification of Pius II, who had come across examples
during his travels in Germany. The Cathedral contains works by Vecchietta, Sano
di Pietro, Matteo di Giovanni and Giovanni di Paolo, as well as a 16th century
wooden choir. Palazzo Piccolomini stands on the right-hand side of the Piazza.
It is distinguished by its elegant double lancet windows, which recall Palazzo
Rucellai in Florence. If you go through the big gate on the left, you will come
to a lovely hanging garden with a sweeping, unforgettable view over the Val d'Orcia.
