Piazza Pio II

Piazza Pio II is the Renaissance centre of Pienza, framed by the cathedral, the Palazzo Comunale and the palaces of Pope Pius II's court.

Why it matters

UNESCO inscribed Pienza's historic centre in 1996, recognising the square and its surrounding buildings as a major expression of Renaissance humanist urban planning. The composition applies ideas of perspective and proportion to a town rebuilt from the medieval village of Corsignano.

What to notice

The trapezoidal pavement, laid out with travertine lines, draws the eye toward the cathedral. The Palazzo Comunale represents civic authority, while Palazzo Piccolomini and Palazzo Borgia reflect papal and cardinal patronage. The Pozzo dei Cani stands beside the palace facade. The cathedral's shadow aligns with the square at the equinox and summer solstice, an effect noted by the town's official account.

Context and history

Pope Pius II, born Enea Silvio Piccolomini in Corsignano in 1405, commissioned Bernardo Rossellino to rebuild the town after his election in 1458. Work around the square took place from 1459 to 1462. The project invited members of the papal court to establish residences beside the cathedral and civic palace, making the square the centre of a planned Renaissance town.