Pienza vs Volterra vs Certaldo
 

Hi, everyone!

I posted a few messages earlier trying to find out the "perfect" place for my fiance and I to have a civil ceremony in Tuscany next May and I got a lot of responses about your romantic places in the area.

Meanwhile I have been following other threads in this forum and in slowtrav.com. And somehow we have come to the conclusion that Pienza might be a good option, for its location for day trips, scenery and romance.

But a wedding planner is telling me that while Pienza is nice, Volterra and Certaldo will be more convenient for day trips and they have more beautiful town halls.

I haven't read as many recommendations about them as much as the area of Pienza and Montaclino. So, what is your opinion about these 3 towns for a romantic wedding and for a base to see part of Tuscany?

Thanks.

Haven't been to Certaldo that I remember, but I think Pienza fits the bill more than Volterra. Town halls? The long "terrace" along the south wall of Pienza would make a spectacular site for a May wedding.

By the way, we ran into a young couple from North Carolina who were renting one of the old town towers at the tiny very near town of Monticchiello. They said it was basic and cheap, but they had all three floors -- the whole tower. What a dramatic and wonderful spot to spend a day or two of a honeymoon. Something you'd never forget.

In my very humble opinion, I would still choose Pienza. It is a happy little town and I thought Volterra was a little austere and forboding. It was interesting but I would want my wedding to be in a joyful setting.

To me Pienza just had a good feeling to it and agreeing with Patrick that area he suggests would be wonderful. There is an hotel right in town too that looks good, I might have more info at home if you are interested.

My personal vote would be Pienza, though you really can't do wrong with Volterra or Pienza. It's just a matter of personal preference and what kind of "vibe" and scenery you want. I think Volterra is demographically a bit more "upscale" (which is one reason your wedding planner is heading you in that direction) whereas Pienza is nearer to the heart of agriculture and some industry areas, but the hill towns around Pienza in my opinion are more spectacular. Also, I think maybe your wedding planner is worried the day trips would be only a smidgen harder because more of the roads around Pienza have rugged little rambling turns through the sometimes steep countryside instead of more rolling hills and straighter driving distances around Volterra. But honestly, there are so many incredible hill towns to visit around Pienza that I think part of the romance is just exploring on your own. And Pienza itself is quite charming and romantic. It's where part of the English Patient was filmed (the fountain I think was used in the film).

Come to think of it, you could also go over to Sant' Ana in Caprena near Pienza... that is also where some of the movie was filmed. Though I doubt you could get married there. When we were there, there was a sort of ramshackle but charming Italian language school being run out of there. So actually, if you're looking for something really romantic and out of the way, you could inquire there at Sant' Ana in Caprena. And it's near a couple of other little villages you could visit, including Castel Muzio and some of the nearby towns there. Volterra is I suppose closer to Florence, San Gimignano, Siena, etc... than Pienza is. So again, just a matter of what you'll want to do and see on your honeymooon.

Also, Volterra is a much larger city, and in a different geographical part of Tuscany. The towns around Volterra are nice, but aren't as rustic. Many of the towns have newer centers, and the area is from what I've heard a bit more like the bedroom community for the Italian yuppies (well... the equivalent anyway) that work in Florence. Not to say I don't like Volterra... it's lovely as a town to visit. Just not anywhere as charming as Pienza.

I don't recall Certaldo... think we only drove through there.

~kat

Another vote for Pienza. Certaldo isn't at all better placed for day trips, IMO. Pienza is beautiful, and there are great places nearby. San Quirico d'Orcia, Roca d'Orcia and Castiglione d'Orcia, Bagno Vignoni are all small but lovely. There is a fancy hotel in Bagno Vignoni where you can pay to swim in their thermal pool.

I second the idea of a ceremony on the "terrace" of Pienza.

I've written extensively on the area for a Tuscan company I do a newsletter for. If you go to www.florencevillas.com, and click on "Past Newsletters" you can see the index and read about various spots in the area, including restaurant recs where we've dined.

I hope this helps. Debbie

Although I love Volterra (especially the beauty of it as you approach from San Gimignano), I also vote for Pienza. There are so many neat little towns nearby. Have lots of Pecorino for the reception.
((H))

Wow, thanks! Needless to say, Pienza got the vote!