Piazza del Campo — Attraction in Siena

Piazza del Campo, laid out in the 13th century with its distinctive shell shape and nine brick‑paved sectors honoring Siena’s medieval Council of Nine, covers some 17,586 m² and remains the beating heart of the city. Framed by the elegant white‑and‑serena‑stone façade of the Palazzo Pubblico (completed around 1310) and dominated by the 102 m‑tall Torre del Mangia (built between 1338 and 1348), the square offers an unrivaled vista over Siena’s rooftops and the surrounding Tuscan countryside once you climb its tower. At its center sits the Fonte Gaia, a 17th‑century marble replica of the original 1419 fountain, whose graceful reliefs stand as testament to Siena’s rich artistic heritage.

The atmosphere here is really, really chill. Early mornings see locals gathering for takeaway coffee and casually chatting on the low steps, while families and groups of friends drift across the open piazza. Tourists often snap photos of the Torre del Mangia and wander into the honey‑colored alleyways that radiate out from the square, yet despite the crowds—especially during the biannual Palio horse race on July 2nd and August 16th—the absence of cars makes the space feel like an urban oasis. You’ll spot plenty of Sienese residents lounging or reading, just as you’ll find visitors leaning against the fountain, soaking up the history.

If you arrive at dawn or during the golden hour before sunset, the light casts a warm glow over the bricks, and the square is refreshingly uncrowded. Climbing the tower is almost mandatory for anyone wanting the best panorama of the city. It’s wise to bring water and a small guidebook, as seating is limited to the stone steps lining the piazza. Checking local event schedules can reward you with the opportunity to experience open‑air concerts or watch the colorful pageantry of the Palio. In short, Piazza del Campo is one of those unmissable places that captures the true spirit of Siena, blending medieval grandeur, everyday local life, and a vibe that feels both timeless and...

SPECTACULAR ! My wife and I were totally enjoying our 2 week vacation in Italy. At this point we were staying in Florence for 4 days. On Monday, March 24th our good friend Martin also our brilliant limo tour driver picked us up outside Hotel Berchielli for a road tour of Tuscany. FIRST STOP ! Martin wanted to show us Piazza de Campo. NOTE ! Piazza del Campo is the main public space of the historic center of Siena, a city in Tuscany, Italy. The campo is regarded as one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. The twice-a-year horse race, Palio di Siena, is held around the edges of the piazza. The piazza is also the finish location of the annual road cycling race Strade Bianche. AMAZING SCENERY ! At around 10am we entered along the main road into the historic center and stopped to admire the incredible panoramic views. Martin drove us in as far as he could then let us out so he could park his limo in the public parking lot. A few minutes later he met up with us in the piazza. RESTAURANTS ! Everywhere we looked there were restaurants lining the perimeter of the piazza. It was a bit early for lunch so we kept walking. My wife had left her fav wide brimmed hat on the Bullet Train to Florence so a new hat was in order. At this point it had to be an Italian baseball cap...better than nothing ! Martin told us they stage a horse race around the piazza...we thought that was amazing. BEAUTIFUL MEDIEVAL CHURCH ! There is no shortage of amazing churches in Italy and Siena Cathedral which dates back to 1196 is among the best. We would have liked to hang around for lunch but Martin had more great things for us to see. YOU...

A beautiful square that leaves everyone breathless. In this unique square we can feel the spirit of the Middle Ages. We are fascinated by its beauty with the beautiful palaces, with the tower, a fountain, with cafes, restaurants and above all with the atmosphere. It was built at the beginning of the 1300s and was the gathering place for merchants and the only space in the city capable of welcoming all the inhabitants of Siena, especially during the festivities and important political events. On the square is dominated by Palazzo Pubblico and certainly Torre del Mangia. At the northwest edge is the beautiful Fonte Gaia. The square was paved in 1349 in fishbone-patterned red brick with 8 lines of travertine, which divide the piazza into 9 sections, radiating from the mouth of the gavinone (the central water drain) in front of the Palazzo Pubblico. The number of divisions is held to be symbolic of the rule of The Nine (Noveschi) who laid out the campo and governed Siena at the height of its mediaeval splendour between 1292-1355. The Campo was and remains the focal point of public life in the City. From the piazza, eleven narrow shaded streets radiate into the city. The nice interesting thing is that Piazza del Campo is the place in which the famous Palio di Siena ( horse race, ten horses and riders, dressed in the appropriate colours, represent ten of the seventeen contrade, or city wards) takes place which attracts spectators from all over the world twice a year. In those days the square returned to its fourteenth-century appearance, with the earth covering the Campo ( "shell" or “conchiglia”), with period costumes,...