On the first weekend of October, Pienza once again celebrates its identity as the ideal city of the Renaissance with the International Day of Ideal Cities, scheduled for Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026.
The theme of the 2026 edition
The guiding theme listed in the official tourist calendar is “Building by dreaming: UNESCO ideal cities between utopia and reality”. Curated by Roggero Roggeri, the initiative offers an opportunity to read Pienza not only as a town to visit, but also as a workshop of ideas about the city, landscape and the relationship between urban design and quality of life.
Where it takes place
The meetings are scheduled in the Town Council Hall of Pienza, in the heart of the UNESCO-listed historic centre. For anyone visiting the Val d’Orcia on those days, the event can become a starting point for discovering Piazza Pio II, Palazzo Piccolomini, the Cathedral and the panoramic viewpoints over the hills.
Why it is interesting for visitors
The Day of Ideal Cities is especially suitable for travellers looking for a cultural experience connected with the history and identity of the area. Pienza is one of the symbolic places of Renaissance urban planning: taking part in the event links a visit to the town with a broader reflection on UNESCO cities and ways of living.
When: 3 and 4 October 2026
Where: Town Council Hall, Pienza
Theme: UNESCO ideal cities, utopia and urban reality
For more information and any programme updates: official Pienza Welcome events calendar.
