Pienza (25 km) is a small but elegant Renaissance town, the birthplace of Enea Silvio Piccolomini who became Pope Pius II. Piazza Pio II, designed and constructed by Bernardo Rossellini, is a noteworthy example of Renaissance town planning.
The Cathedral (Duomo) has an interesting classic façade in travertine stone.
To the right of the Duomo stands Palazzo Piccolomini, reminiscent of Palazzo Rucellai dell’Alberti in Florence.