Roman Catholic Diocese of Pienza

It took the name Pienza from its most famous native son, Pope Pius II (Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini), who elevated the town to the status of a city (civitas), and established the new diocese.

[1][2] The architect chosen to carry out Pius II's plans to construct Pienza was Bernardo Rossellino.

The edifice was damaged by the large earthquake of 26 November 1545, and the apse began to subside, a problem which persists to the present day.

[6] In April 1473, Bishop Tommaso della Testa Piccolomini presided over the first diocesan synod held in Pienza.

[8] On 15 June 1772, in the bull "Quemadmodum", Pope Clement XIV united the dioceses of Chiusi and Pienza.