Palazzo Borgia (Palazzo Vescovile)

Palazzo Borgia, also known as the Bishop's Palace, is a Renaissance residence on Piazza Pio II in Pienza that now houses the Diocesan Museum.

Why it matters

Pope Pius II planned residences for cardinals around the new square at Pienza. The palace records this design and the town's transition from medieval Corsignano to a Renaissance papal centre. Its later use as the bishop's seat links the building to the diocese's history.

What to notice

The facade has horizontal string courses, Guelph-cross windows and a central portal with lunette. The palace combines earlier houses associated with Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia and Jean Jouffroy. Its rooms now form part of the Diocesan Museum, with Sienese painting and textiles connected to the era of Pius II.

Context and history

The palace was begun as part of the rebuilding of Corsignano between 1459 and 1462. After Pius II's death, Cardinal Borgia donated it to the diocese, and it became the bishop's residence. In 1998 the Diocesan Museum moved from the Palazzo dei Canonici into the palace, adding a museum role to its history as a cardinal's residence and bishop's seat.