Duomo di Pienza

Duomo di Pienza is a Renaissance cathedral with a travertine facade featuring three entrance doors, a central rose window, and the Piccolomini coat of arms above. The building has an interior organized with three naves of equal height and includes a section that extends over the hillside due to how it was positioned.

Pope Pius II commissioned architect Bernardo Rossellino to construct this cathedral between 1459 and 1462, replacing an earlier Romanesque parish church at the location. The project was part of a larger transformation of Pienza according to the pope's vision for the city.

The interior displays paintings by major Sienese artists like Giovanni di Paolo and Lorenzo di Pietro, bringing religious stories to life on the walls. These artworks reflect the refined taste of Renaissance patrons and show how the building served as a showcase for regional artistic talent.

Visiting during daylight hours allows you to see the facade details and interior artworks clearly. The cathedral sits on Piazza Pio II in the historic center, making it easy to reach on foot from other parts of town.

The church blends Italian Renaissance design with a German hall church structure, featuring three naves of equal height in the Hallenkirche style. This was an uncommon choice for Southern European churches and reflects the architect's willingness to experiment with different building traditions.

Location: Pienza

Inception: 1459

Architects: Bernardo Rossellino

Architectural style: Renaissance architecture

GPS coordinates: 43.07633,11.67914

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:30