Pienza and The Orcia Valley

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Picnic day continued...

From the Pecorini cheese farm we went to Pienza (Storico), another walled-village, Renaissance-style, apparently planned in the 1400’s by the Pope himself... Pope Pius II. (I think I called him Paulo in my last entry - perhaps that was his nickname.) Anyway there is a magnificent palace where he once lived and of course a very grand cathedral to match… both these are located in the main piazza right next to the town hall.

The buildings these days mostly house museums, café’s and shops. This little town has such a quaint ambience and what’s great about it is that it’s not too touristy. Oh and did I mention the views? To die for… and so under-rated. I guess the views all around Toscana are so picturesque that one could become blasé. To me I think they would be best enjoyed from the shade of a tree on a sunny day, sipping wine with a lover! Oh why do we fill our lives with busyness and complications?

After Pienza, Katia took me to a well-known natural spa town, then on to her family vineyard and olive grove. We played with her sheepdog a while then drove some more through the Orcia Valley region before we stopped off at her hometown for me to buy yet another pair of new specs! She showed my some of the life of the locals – away from the tourist areas, and for this I am grateful. Her town is called Sateano. It’s also a walled town, but more residential and suburban. I liked it!

It was a huge day and it was 8pm before I arrived back at my apartment. I was exhausted, but satisfied. Who wouldn't be! One more thing though… homework!

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Photos

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I bought a miniature one of these for Georgia!

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The Pope's palace

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WWII damage to the side of the cathedral.

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Living on the edge!

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Door sign... this is how they advertise their rooms to rent.

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Another Ape (motorbike made into a little truck)

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I love this photo!

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This is the most photographed Tuscan landscape. Not sure that Katia and I did it justice though!

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Katia's small family vinyard, with olive trees in the foreground.

This one is for Tommy as I know how much he likes blondes!
Katia and her sheep dog. They don't have any sheep, but she and another dog look after the vinyard and the chooks!

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And this big brute is for Emma!

Comments

[Susie]

catching up on your trip
HI Cathy I have just read all your blog, looks like you are having some wonderful experiences and making great memories. The photos are beautiful, I hope you find the family tree info you are looking for on your grandfather. Enjoy the rest of your stay. lots of love Susie

[TassieToTuscany]

Hiya Susie
Thanks Susie, must have taken a while to read it all at once. Not quite finished yet though. Still another two weeks to go. I'm looking forward to relaxing on the cruise. I bet you had a ball in NT. I'm just leaving Orvieto, the lovliest walled-town so far in my opinion. Catching a train to Rome so must go now. Not every day any of us could say that! Love you heaps, chat soon, Cath xxx