This charming village is widely known as the “ideal city of the Renaissance”, the creation of the great humanist Enea Silvio Piccolomini who later became Pope Pius II. Piccolomini had the money and influence to transform his home village, humble Corsignano, into what he believed should be the utopian city, exemplifying the principles and philosophy of classical times and the great Italian Renaissance. Pienza became the realization of a dream! The project was designed by the architect “Il Rossellino” under the guidance of the great humanist Leon Battista Alberti. In just 3 years, incredible and harmonious constructions were completed: the Cathedral, the Papal or Piccolomini Palace, the Town Hall and the lovely central square on which all these buildings overlook.