📍 Pienza

Living in Pienza, Italy

If you’re wondering where Pienza is in Italy, it sits in the heart of the Val d’Orcia in southern Tuscany – a landscape as rich in food culture as it is in scenery. Known as the “ideal Renaissance town,” Pienza is equally famous for its culinary heritage, particularly its renowned pecorino cheese.

For expats and retirees, Pienza offers a lifestyle centred around food, community, and simplicity. Local shops specialise in artisan products, while nearby farms and vineyards provide a steady supply of fresh ingredients, wines, and olive oil. Despite its small size, the town has essential services and is within easy reach of Montepulciano and Siena.

A typical day in Pienza often revolves around food. Mornings start with coffee and pastries in the piazza, followed by browsing local markets or cheese shops. Lunch is a slower, more deliberate experience – fresh pasta, local wine, and seasonal produce. Afternoons may include a countryside walk or vineyard visit, while evenings are for relaxed dinners with simple, high-quality ingredients.

The real appeal is this daily connection to food and place – offering a lifestyle that feels both indulgent and grounded, ideal for long-term living.

More About Pienza

Living in Pienza, Italy – Renaissance Perfection and the Art of Slow Living