Pienza

When arriving from the countryside and looking upwards, it was possible to perceive their shape, rhythmed by towers and gates. This still partially applies to Pienza, whose defensive structures were strengthened around the year 1550 with the consolidation of the walls, and the construction of a fort in front of Porta al Prato. Its characteristic southern hill-skyline stands out among the rolling hills of Val d’Orcia, attracting the attention of travellers along the Cassian way en-route from Rome. However, where the slope is slighter, its walls were demolished or lowered to allow for urban sprawl beyond its ring road, which began in the 1950s. [Learn More](http://esg.pt/3dpast/platform)