Palazzo Piccolomini is one of the greatest artistic expressions of Pienza and was built in 1459. Bernardo Rossellino was inspired by the work of his master Leon Battista Alberti (Palazzo Rucellai in Florence), for the realization of this building that was the papal residence of Pius II, which he wanted so that the former Corsignano became the ideal city of the Renaissance. The palace has a square plan and on three sides has walls of stone worked with smooth ashlar. The side overlooking Monte Amiata is decorated with three loggias, one on each floor, overlooking what is the first hanging garden of the Renaissance.