From medieval to renaissance
Trip Start
Sep 02, 2010
1
12
18
Trip End
Sep 30, 2010
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Pienza, Tuscany, Italy
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Being in this beautiful area of Italy it is hard to say that one day is better than another. I think that today is our favorite so far as we crossed over from medieval to renaissance with a visit to Pienza, possibly the first medieval village to be rebuilt in the new humanistic morality and urbanism of that time. Pienza is in the Val d'Orcia (photos are in previous blogs) and situated between the towns of Montepulciano (vin di Nobli) and Montalcino (Brunello).
The reconstruction took place around 1459 and the architect of this change was Pope Pius II who was born here although at the time Corsigniano was the name of the town. Four buildings now define the renaissance era piazza: Palazzo Piccolomini (the papal residence, descendants of the Pope lived here until the late 1960s), the Duomo (cathedral), the Palazzio Vescovile (residence) for the attending bishops while the Pope was residing at the Palazzo Piccolomini, and the Palazzo Comunale (city hall). The function of city hall was without much substance in those early days of the renaissance as the political power still was firmly in the hands of the church.
To my eye the primary difference between the Romanesque and Renaissance church styles is in the addition of interior openness, light and decoration. This was part of the humanistic approach or the human being passing out of the dark ages and into a time of some enlightenment.
Today life in the town is still centered on this main piazza. Yes, the Papal residence is now a museum and the community well is no longer used but this is the same church the citizens still attend. The narrow streets (I measured 11 feet wide) that lead away from the piazza are now lined with shops, restaurants, and the homes (apartments) enjoyed by the people who live here and those of us who borrow this bit of history for a few hours.
As you move through the town you can’t help but notice the signs of everyday life both present and past. You’re clothes dryer is outside your apartment windows and your garden is in the streets outside your front door. The ancient city walls are still here and ties to secure your horse and the house of ill repute although it is outside the city gates of course. The Italian sense of humor is on display as well.
Dare I say a perfect day in Tuscany! Now it is back to Villa Ortaglia for another cooking class.
Caio!
Tom & Lynda
