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Piazza del Campo
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Landmark
Piazza del Campo is the spirited heart of Siena, Italy, and is regarded as one of Europe's most outstanding medieval squares. Its unique, shell-shaped form, which slopes gently downwards, is divided into nine sectors of red brick, symbolizing the rule of the Council of the Nine (Governo dei Nove) from the 13th and 14th centuries. The square is dominated by the imposing Palazzo Pubblico, the town hall, and its 102-meter-high bell tower, the Torre del Mangia. Twice a year, on July 2nd and August 16th, the piazza transforms into the racetrack for the Palio di Siena, a world-famous and traditional horse race where the city's districts (contrade) compete against each other. At the upper edge of the square is the Fonte Gaia, a magnificent fountain originally designed by Jacopo della Quercia and now replaced by a copy. The entire complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 and serves as the central meeting point for locals and tourists alike.
- Location: Tuscany, Italy
- Top sights: Palazzo Bindi Sergardi · Museo della Contrada dell'Oca · Chiesa del Crocifisso
- Nearby: Florence (50 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 19 | 15 | 9 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 58 | 64 | 62 | 54 | 58 | 37 | 30 | 36 | 66 | 82 | 102 | 78 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Piazza del Campo is a public square that is freely accessible at all times. You can enter the square, sit on the pavement, and admire the surrounding buildings. It is especially lively during the Palio di Siena in July and August.
Typical hours
The square is open 24/7 as it is a public space. The surrounding buildings like the Palazzo Pubblico have their own opening hours, typically from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Torre del Mangia can also be visited.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the square. For impressive panoramic shots, climb the Torre del Mangia or use the elevated position at the edge of the square. Drones are banned due to monument protection.
Time needed
Exploring Piazza del Campo takes about 30 minutes. If you also visit the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia, plan for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk through the medieval streets of Siena, the Siena Cathedral, and the Basilica of San Domenico. The entire historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is walkable.
Getting there
The square is in the center of Siena and is about a 20-minute walk from the Siena train station. Alternatively, take a bus to the Piazza Gramsci stop and then walk down the stairs. Cars are restricted in the historic center.
Insider tip
Visit the square early in the morning when it is still empty and the light beautifully illuminates the pavement. Sit on the steps of the Palazzo Pubblico and enjoy the atmosphere.
Geography
Facts
- The Palio horse race has been held regularly since at least 1633.
- The Torre del Mangia was built between 1325 and 1348 and stands 102 meters tall.
- The distinctive red-brick, herringbone-patterned pavement was completed in 1349.
- The shape of the piazza resembles a scallop shell, a symbol for pilgrims.
- Siena's historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.
- The original sculptures of the Fonte Gaia by Jacopo della Quercia are now in the Santa Maria della Scala museum.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Piazza del Campo (10)
Teatro del Costone
Theatre in Siena, hosting plays and musical performances.
Palazzo Arcivescovile
Building in Siena, seat of the city's archbishop.
Cattedrale di Siena e Libreria Piccolomini🏛 museum
Museal institution in Tuscany, cathedral with library and artworks.
Porta Fontebranda
City gate in Siena, part of the medieval fortifications.
Battistero di San Giovanni⛪ church
Baptistery in Siena, fully restored and open to the public since June 2024.
Basilica Cateriniana di San Domenico⛪ church
Church in Siena, Tuscany, Italy, a notable Gothic building.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Palio?
A famous horse race held twice every summer.
Why is the square shell-shaped?
The design is unique and slopes towards the town hall.
Can you climb the tall tower?
Yes, the Torre del Mangia gives a view over Siena.
Are there fountains there?
Yes, the Fonte Gaia with its beautiful sculptures.
Are you allowed to sit on the ground?
Yes, many people relax directly on the pavement.
Piazza del Campo: where is it located?
Piazza del Campo is located in Tuscany, Italy.
Piazza del Campo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Palazzo Bindi Sergardi, Museo della Contrada dell'Oca, Chiesa del Crocifisso.
Piazza del Campo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Piazza del Campo: why is it worth visiting?
Piazza del Campo is the spirited heart of Siena, Italy, and is regarded as one of Europe's most outstanding medieval squares.
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