picturediary Archivi - The Hidden Treasures Tours

Perugia

Built on a 450 m high hill, Perugia is the capital of the Italian region of Umbria. The city was founded by the Etruscans in the 6th century and developed into a very important city thanks to is strategic location. In addition to impressive architecture and numerous sights, Perugia offers a breathtaking view of the Appenine Mountains and the nearby Lake Trasimeno.

Top 10 places to visit in Perugia:

Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria
Church of San Pietro
Arco d’Augusto
Church of San Lorenzo
Rocca Paolina
Piazza IV Novembre and Fontana Maggiore
Oratorio di San Bernardino
Palazzo dei Priori and Collegio del Cambio
Church of San Domenico
Museo Archeologico

City of month: Pienza

Situated in the valley “Val d’Orcia”, Pienza is a small town in the province of Siena in southern Tuscany. Since 1996, the “ideal city of the Renaissance” is one of currently 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy. Pienza is located between Montalcino and Montepulciano, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and lovely hills.

Renaissance architecture at its best

Pienza (meaning “the city of Pius”) was named after its most famous son, Enea Silvio Piccolomini who became Pope Pius II in 1458. With the support of architect Bernardo Rossellino, he aimed to transform his home town – back then known as Corsignano – into a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance (“the Utopian city”).

The capital of “cacio”

Strolling through the narrow streets of Pienza, you will discover numerous little shops selling the most famous local product: Pecorino cheese (“cacio”) – made of sheep’s (in Italian “pecora”) milk. If you like cheese, Pienza is definitely your place to be as it is known to be the capital of pecorino cheese. A must eat in Pienza is probably the most famous local dish: “Pici con cacio e pepe” – handmade pasta with pecorino cheese and pepper.

About love and kisses

Pienza is considered to be also a very romatic city: With street names such as “Via dell’Amore” (love) and “Via del Bacio” (kiss), you will find Italy’s most romantic streets in Pienza. However, be aware that it can get quite busy on the streets of love on Valentine’s Day. The streets of love and the kiss are surrounded by “Via della Fortuna” (luck) – with a magnificent panoramic view overlooking the valley – and “Via Buia” (darkness), reminding its visitors that wherever there is light, there is also darkness.

From rolling chesses to flowers and chestnuts

If you happen to be in Pienza in early September, don’t miss the famous “fiera del cacio” – a fair dedicated to pecorino cheese and other typical local products. Great fun is “palio del cacio fuso”, a game in which participants – representing each quarter of the town – roll an entire round of “cacio” around the “fuso” (a wooden spindle centered in the main square). Other highly recommended fairs are “Pienza e i fiori” (flowers) in May, “Festa di Primavera” (spring) in April or May and “La Festa Della Castagna A Pienza” (chestnuts) in November.