Giardino Pensile di Palazzo Piccolomini

Behind Palazzo Piccolomini in Pienza, the Giardino Pensile is a walled Renaissance garden raised above vaulted structures built over the palace stables. A central well and formal planting beds frame views across the Val d’Orcia.

Why it matters

The garden forms part of the palace complex designed by Bernardo Rossellino for Pope Pius II, Enea Silvio Piccolomini. Its elevated setting brings architecture and landscape together, and Pius II described the palace’s three levels of arcades in his Commentaries.

What to notice

The square garden is enclosed by walls and arranged around an octagonal travertine well-head bearing the Piccolomini arms. Four planting beds are edged with box and laurel. The loggias open toward the countryside, with views toward Monte Amiata and Radicofani.

Context and history

Palazzo Piccolomini was begun in 1459 on the site of Pius II’s birthplace. In the twentieth century, Count Silvio Piccolomini and Anna Menotti restored the palace; after the count’s death in 1962, it passed to the Società Esecutori di Pie Disposizioni with the condition that it become a museum.