Piazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo is Siena's central square, a distinctive shell-shaped piazza sloping down toward the Palazzo Pubblico, laid out in the 13th-14th centuries and considered one of Europe's finest medieval public squares. Its brick paving is divided into nine sections, symbolizing the medieval government of the Nine that once ruled the city.
Twice a year, in July and August, the square hosts the Palio di Siena, a fiercely competitive bareback horse race between the city's historic districts (contrade) that draws enormous local passion and crowds.
Outside of Palio season, it's simply Siena's main gathering space, ringed by cafes and anchored by the Fonte Gaia fountain, a natural starting point for exploring the rest of the city on foot.
Piazza del Campo FAQs
A historic bareback horse race held twice a year, in July and August, between Siena's traditional districts (contrade), run directly on the piazza.
No, it's a free public square.
It symbolizes the medieval Government of the Nine, the ruling council that governed Siena during its peak in the 13th-14th centuries.
Yes, cafes ring the square, though prices reflect the prime location; better value can be found a block or two away.
No, it slopes noticeably downward toward the Palazzo Pubblico, part of its distinctive shell shape.
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