The building stones of Pienza (Tuscany, Italy)

Pienza, a fifteenth-century town in Tuscany, Italy, is renowned as a prime example of Renaissance urbanism. Constructed by Pope Pius II, the town was designed by the esteemed architect Bernardo Rossellino to embody an ideal city centered around a grand square, Piazza Pio II. This study focuses on identifying and characterizing the stones used in Pienza's main buildings and understanding their decay forms. Through XRF and XRD analyses, the chemical and mineralogical characteristics of the main identified litologies (Pienza sandstones and Bioclastic calcirudites) have been determined. Microscopic observations aided in studying thin sections, while physical and mechanical properties of the stones were also assessed. The findings have led to the proposal of an geo-lithological itinerary to showcase the building stones of the most remarkable monuments and palaces of the Pienza center, and highlight the locations of their quarrying areas. This research aims to contribute to the knowledge and valorization of Pienza's architectural heritage.