Palazzo Piccolomini

About the museum

Palazzo Piccolomini was the residence of Pope Pius II and his family. The architect Bernardo Rossellino designed it on the site of the ancient house where Enea Silvio Piccolomini was born in 1405. The three-order design of the façade is repeated in the loggia at the back, which can be reached by crossing the palace.

From the loggia opens the Italian-style hanging garden, overlooking the Val d'Orcia. The interiors are now a house museum, with furnishings and works of art ranging from the Renaissance to the 20th century. They were restored by Count Silvio Piccolomini, who lived there until 1962.

The palace is part of the Pienza Città di Luce circuit, together with the cathedral, the crypt with labyrinth and Palazzo Borgia with the Museo Diocesano.

Highlights

• Renaissance façade by Bernardo Rossellino
• Hanging garden over the Val d'Orcia
• Historic apartments of the Piccolomini family
• Panoramic loggia
• Furnishings and works from the Renaissance to the 20th century

Permanent exhibition

• Appartamenti storici e giardino pensile – House museum with furnishings and works from the Renaissance to the 20th century, and a hanging garden overlooking the Val d'Orcia.

Founded

1963

Admission & discounts

The site gives the price as the €12 pass for four sites; no price for the palace alone is published. For reductions and free admission, the documentation proving entitlement must be shown at the ticket office.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The site features a Book & Wine shop with a wine cellar.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The palace can host parties, meetings and weddings; requests by e-mail.

Plan your visit