Pienza

Beautiful Pienza....let me do an introduction....

Pienza, a town and comune in the province of Siena, in the Val d'Orcia in Tuscany, between the towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino, is the "touchstone of Renaissance urbanism."

In 1996, UNESCO declared the town a World Heritage Site, and in 2004 the entire valley, the Val d'Orcia, was included on the list of UNESCO's World Cultural Landscapes.

We go there quite often because it is only about 15min from where we live...its where the typical Pecorino cheese is from and the little shops where they sell them are just so quaint and really beautiful.....you get Pecorino in all different varieties, from soft, to semi-hard to extremly hard (could even be mistaken for Parmigiano). Let's formalize this a little bit.....All come in a variety of styles depending on how long they have been aged. The more matured cheeses, referred to as stagionato ("seasoned" or "aged" ), are harder but still crumbly in texture and have decidedly buttery and nutty flavours. The other two types semi-stagionato and fresco have a softer texture and milder cream and milk tastes. Let me share some pics from the shops....

Different Pecorinos
Hard Pecorino
More Pecorino
And some more Pecorino
Of course there is not only cheese shops....there are also some coffee shops and bars in the old town....the one coffee bar looks like a hole in the wall...but their cappuccino....is absoloutely amazing, unfortunately, i do not have a pic....i guess ill need to go back another time and not forget to take a pic....they also have delicious pastries....the place is positioned as follows: when looking at the old church, on the right in the corner....very very small....let me share a pic of the beautiful church...
Church
During Christmas time the church decoration outside was very beautiful.....let me share some pics...
Decoration
Me and Sofia
Me and Sofia
There is also a cute little bar/cafe at the end of the old town where normally the market takes place....very casual...we have been there a few times...from aperitivo to cappuccino to some light lunches. The aperitivo is quite amazing, you even get a small plate with pecorino cheese and salumi. The cappuccino is ok...not great, it is strong, but the foam is non existent....and not thick at all....the lunches are very nice...simple...but delicious...let me share pic of the cold meat platter....
Toscana platter
So...this little town is DEFINITELY worth a visit....not to miss....still need to try some restaurant there though....but for now...this is it....so from me...goodnite...we chat soon...oh yes...there is also a gelateria...but i do not have a pic...those will come in the summer...but i have tried this really cool flavour...salted caramel....yummie....Anyway....goodnite now.

 

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