Pienza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised as a place of great value for humanity for its excellence in conserving the natural landscape as well as being a great influence on Renaissance Art. The area is also part of a cultural and natural park called "Parco Artistico Naturale e Culturale della Val d'Orcia", which aims to preserve the extraordinary artistic heritage of the five boroughs of Castiglione d'Orcia, Montalcino, San Quirico d'Orcia, Radicofani and Pienza.
Completely redesigned by Pope Pius II, complying with Renaissance philosophy, Pienza was built to create the ideal model of life and government, combining peaceful and industrious civil harmony; this is why Pienza is also called the “utopic town”. The acclaimed director Franco Zeffirelli filmed his 1968 version of "Romeo and Juliet" in Pienza, choosing it for its outstanding Renaissance architecture and the romantic ambience of the city.
Pienza is the ideal city for lovers of history, but also for wine lovers and foodies: the red wines of the area, as well as the famous Pecorino cheese, are widely acclaimed as the finest in Europe.
Legal Civil Wedding Ceremonies are performed in the local Palazzo Comunale, a 14th century, Renaissance style building, located in the historical Piazza of Pienza. The interior of the Marriage Hall, or Mayor's Room, is very impressive, with Gothic style furniture, historical heraldic devices, ancient chandeliers and beautiful frescoes of the Senese school. In the lower part of the palace there is a lovely loggia divided by large columns and the façade is decorated with large, mullioned windows that illuminate the wedding hall, offering a view of the Duomo.
The Gothic Church of San Francesco, inside the walled centre, with its ancient frescoes, offers a fantastic setting to celebrate a Catholic Ceremony. The Romanesque church Pieve di Corsignano, just outside the city centre, also a wonderful location, is known for its wonderful cylindrical tower from where it is possible to enjoy incredible views over olive groves, vineyards and sunflowers fields.
Symbolic Ceremonies and Religious Blessings can be held outdoors in the private garden of several wonderful Castles, Farmhouses and independent Villas of the surrounding countryside, while private chapels within castles and private venues offer the perfect setting for a romantic blessing or religious ceremony.
The whole area offers unique Accommodation & Reception Venues like independent Villas with beautiful gardens and pools that are perfect for Wedding Receptions or simply for the most relaxing dream vacation. Recently restored ancient abbeys that have been transformed into Luxury Hotels, as well as hundreds of small Country Houses, B&Bs and Farmhouses make it possible to step back in time and enjoy the slow, dolce vita in Tuscany.