A Day in Pienza: Tuscany's Hidden Gem and Pecorino Cheese
We recently had the pleasure of popping into Pienza for a few hours during our Tuscan road trip. We started in Montepulciano where we stayed the night before, and we were headed towards the famous Val d'Orcia road, eventually making our way to Siena and Lucca.
Though Pienza is tiny, it left a lasting impression on us and was one of my favourite places on the whole trip! If you’re road-tripping in Tuscany, you definitely have to stop here for lunch (see below).
As soon as we arrived, we were struck by the sheer beauty of Pienza. Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, this Renaissance gem is like stepping into a postcard. The town is stunning, with its well-preserved architecture and charming streets that seem to transport you back in time.
Key things to know:
Pienza is a few km west of Montepulciano
There is a Fiera del Cacio (a festival of cheese) every September
There are no covered, manned parking spaces, but there is plenty of street parking around the town
If you don’t have a car you can get busses from bigger nearby towns
Views from Pienza
A Brief History of Pienza
Originally known as Corsignano, Pienza was transformed in the 15th century by Pope Pius II, who envisioned it as a utopian city reflecting the ideals of the Renaissance. The architect Bernardo Rossellino brought this vision to life, creating a harmonious and symmetrical layout that has earned Pienza its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key landmarks include the beautiful:
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Palazzo Piccolomini
Palazzo Borgia.
Pecorino Toscana Cheese
One of the main reasons we were so eager to visit Pienza was that it’s the birthplace of Pecorino cheese (an Italian hard cheese made of sheep’s milk, which people sometimes confuse with parmesan and Grana Padano). Pecorino is the main cheese in the popular pasta dish Cacio e pepe.
As cheese lovers, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try Pecorino Toscana at its source. The town is famous for this delicious sheep's milk cheese, which has a rich, tangy flavour and creamy texture.
Lunch at Trattoria Latte di Luna
Our hunt for cheesy pasta led us to Trattoria Latte di Luna for lunch, and it was nothing short of epic.
The cacio e pepe and lasagne we had were to die for. The cacio e pepe, a simple yet flavorful pasta dish, perfectly showcased the local Pecorino cheese. The lasagne was equally delightful, with layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy béchamel melting in our mouths. If you find yourself in Pienza you have to go here for lunch.
It’s a small restaurant right at the end of town with outdoor seating so it’s perfect for a sunny day.
Trattoria Latte di Luna
Lasagne and Cacio e Pepe
Shopping for Linens
After our incredible meal, we took a stroll through the town. Pienza may be small, but it has some lovely shops, especially those selling beautiful linen goods. These high-quality, locally-made items are perfect souvenirs or gifts for loved ones back home.
A Perfect Stop on Your Tuscan Road Trip
This little town is a must-visit if you’re road-tripping through Tuscany. Its stunning beauty, rich history, and delectable cuisine make it an unforgettable stop. And don’t forget to have lunch at Trattoria Latte di Luna – you won’t regret it!
Cacio e pepe at Trattoria Latte di Luna
