We visited the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the San Francesco Church in the hill-top town of Pienza, in the province of Siena, Italy.

The Cathedral built by Pope Pius II between 1459 and 1462 is under renovation so we were only able to see a small portion of the Cathedral but it was still an inspirational place of worship built so long ago. It was interesting to take a few minutes and watch as the artists were restoring some of the paintings on the ceiling.

The San Francesco Church was founded in the 13th century by Franciscans from the monastery of Corsignano. Standing in the silence and dim light there’s a crucifix of Christ hanging above the alter that silhouetted by the light coming in from the windows. There’s a reverence you feel as you stand there in silence, in the shadow of the crucifix.

Both are a must-see when traveling to Pienza.