The Hermitage of Pienza (Il Romitorio) sounds like an amazing place to visit. From what I've found on the net it appears to be on private property (agritourismo cretaiole) and open by reservation only on Tues, Fri and Sunday. Can't find anything about a fee, but I'd be surprised if there isn't one. Also, that it's a 5 min walk from Pienza.
We'll be traveling to Pienza by the 112 bus from Siena (not on Sunday), hence we'll need to walk. I think there's a bus stop on Via San Gregorio and the only address I've found for cretaiole is Via San Gegorio 14. Seems to good to be true.
Any advice or information is greatly appreciated. I love places out of the ordinary & am hoping for good news.
Grazie!
Has anyone been to The Hermitage of Pienza or Agritourismo Cretaiole
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Talk to Isabella on this site. She is the wife and speaks perfect English. The address you see is the mail address in Pienza.
Sorry---here it is:
http://www.cretaiole.it/
Here is more on their site:
Private Tour of the Hermitage (closed to the public)
Our family purchased a prized piece of land in 1993 just below Pienza that contains a fascinating, pre-Christian archaeological site. Luciano and Carlo have restored it to prevent deterioration and allow better access. It is an extraordinarily beautiful and spiritual place. We will personally escort you through it, and explain the meaning of its features, its artwork, and location. It is called the Hermitage because for centuries it was used by religious monks (hermits) leading lives of penitence and prayer. However, archaeologists suspect that, even much earlier than that, it was the site of an ancient Etruscan tomb.
Our Recommendation: This is a unique archaeological site few people are privileged to visit.
When we stayed at Cretaiole in 2009 and visited the Hermitage, a young man and girlfriend were at the gate and inquired as to whether they could join us on the tour. Isabella graciously allowed them to tour with us. An inquiry to Isa would be the best bet.
Thanks. I'll contact them directly and get more iformation.