Shopping, Parking & Getting Around

Pienza has a number of specialist cheese shops with a dazzling array of local cheeses. The best Tuscan Pecorino is certified ‘DOP’ – Denominazione d’Origine Protetta, a standard only granted to genuine regional produce. Sheep’s cheese Pecorino is commonly called cacio. Look out for Pecorino spiced up with black peppercorns, truffles, or chili pepper or exposed to different maturing techniques, using wine or walnut-tree leaves.

This is one of the most picturesque cheese shops in Pienza. Feast your senses on Pecorino (cacio) aged in every way possible.


Address: Corso Il Rossellino 66, 53026 Pienza
Tel: +39 0578 748713

Set in Palazzo Piccolomini, this upmarket museum shop sells everything from books on Tuscan art and architecture to local produce from Pienza, including wine and olive oil.


Address: Palazzo Piccolomini, Piazza Pio II, 53026 Pienza
Tel: +39 0577 286300
Web: www.palazzopiccolominipienza.it

Try and park below the city walls of Pienza but bear in mind that you won’t be alone. Nor will parking in the shade be highly likely in summer. Visiting Pienza mid-week or out of July and August will make parking spots easier to find, as will avoiding the Friday morning market. Despite the crowds, Pienza makes a lovely springboard for exploring Montalcino, Montepulciano and the Val d’Orcia. Pienza is also only 50kms from Siena so the city is easily accessible on a day trip.