The first day we scurried over to Pienza trying to make it back before the rain; walking 19 kms in total. We had to contend with some sprinkles, very strong winds, sections of sticky muddy trail, but the scenery is very dramatic, captivating.
Pienza itself has to be one of the smallest UNESCO sites, where Pope Pius II brought the Renaissance to his ancestral homeland. I conjecture the facts that Pope Pius II went from ordination to papacy in 11 years, and Pienza obtained UNESCO status in 1996 are not two independent events.
Pienza itself has to be one of the smallest UNESCO sites, where Pope Pius II brought the Renaissance to his ancestral homeland. I conjecture the facts that Pope Pius II went from ordination to papacy in 11 years, and Pienza obtained UNESCO status in 1996 are not two independent events.
The weather outside our hotel room window is not looking good as we prepare for our walk to Pienza.
But there's plenty of signage to keep us on track.
We pass some estates.
More signs and scenery.
Then the trail changes to a muddy creek bed for several kilometers - not fun.
The rain does make the hills very green.
And then it rains and blows.
Lots of deer tracks - we spot 4 of them in the distance. And we see some huge rabbits.
Finally, Pienza.
There's a 900 y.o. Romanesque church just outside the walls with a cool main portal.
After seeing no one the whole walk, there are tourists in Pienza (and locals)
The local Pecorino cheese, made from sheep's milk, is sold in many shop around town, and also in the San Quirico COOP supermarket.
The Duomo is known for the large windows behind the altar...
...and works of art. Here is my 2nd fav saint, Santa Lucia.
Piazza Popolo.
And we walk back to San Quirico under threatening skies and a very stiff breeze.
View back to Pienza and the pointed spire of the Duomo.
View towards Monte Amiata, tallest peak in southern Tuscany.
When the mud gets thick, we walk in the edge of the field above the road.
And we see San Quirico ahead.
THE END.
No comments:
Post a Comment