Piazza del Campo, Medieval square in Siena, Italy.
Piazza del Campo is a shell-shaped square in central Siena, Italy, paved with red brick divided into nine sloping sections. The 14th-century tower rises over 100 meters (330 feet) at the lower end, while Gothic facades line the entire perimeter.
The square started as a market where three hillside communities converged, before becoming the seat of city government in the 13th century. Paving proceeded in stages during the following decades, while the tower was added between 1338 and 1348.
The nine sections of the paving recall the nine rulers who governed from here starting in 1287, while the fountain at the upper end was created later. Today residents use the square to sunbathe on the brick, meet friends, and watch activity from the steps.
Eleven lanes climb from different parts of the city up to the square, which slopes downward toward the tower. Restaurants with outdoor tables occupy many of the surrounding buildings, while the steps around the edge often serve as seating.
Twice a year the square transforms into a racetrack when dirt is spread over the brick and horses gallop in a circle. The race lasts little more than 90 seconds, but preparations and celebrations go on for several days.
Location: Siena
Part of: Historic Centre of Siena
Shares border with: Nobile Contrada dell'Aquila, Contrada della Selva, Contrada Priora della Civetta, Contrada della Torre, Contrada Capitana dell'Onda
Address: Il Campo, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
Website: https://visitsienaofficial.it/87-piazza-del-campo
GPS coordinates: 43.31840,11.33145
Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:42
Siena is a Tuscan city built on three hills, where medieval streets wind between brick buildings and open onto piazzas. The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo hosts the Palio horse race twice a year and serves as the town's main gathering place. The Cathedral, with its black-and-white marble facade, stands on one of the highest points. From the top of Torre del Mangia, the city spreads out in all directions, with its terracotta rooftops and surrounding hills visible. Gothic and Renaissance architecture appears throughout the streets, in the form of palaces, churches, fountains and loggias. The Palazzo Pubblico contains frescoes and civic art, while the Pinacoteca Nazionale displays paintings from the Sienese School. The Biblioteca Piccolomini holds illuminated manuscripts. The Basilica of San Domenico rises on a hill, offering views across the rooftops. The Fortezza Medicea and the university botanical garden provide additional perspectives on the city and its landscape. Beyond the center, the Etruscan necropolis at Malignano, Villa di Geggiano with its gardens, and the Chianti sculpture park add to the range of places to explore.
Tuscany brings together some of the most important signs of Italy's past, spread across Florence, Pisa, and Siena. Each city has its own special sites: Pisa’s Leaning Tower is one of Italy’s most famous structures, while Florence has the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral with its large dome, the Uffizi Gallery filled with Renaissance works, and old bridges like the Ponte Vecchio crossing the Arno River for many centuries. Siena shows its own pride with the Piazza del Campo, a shell-shaped square where the main events happen. Walking through the area, you notice buildings that tell stories from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Colorful marble-faced churches, big palaces such as the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, and small churches on the hills add to this historic scene. Places like the Central Market and the Academy Gallery in Florence attract visitors eager to see relics of that lively time. Quiet spots like the San Miniato al Monte Basilica on a hill offer peace and broad views of the city. This list of places shows how Tuscany has shaped art and building styles in Europe. Whether visiting art galleries or walking on paved streets, you feel history at every turn. The region also has lesser-known experiences, such as the thermal waters of Saturnia, proving that Tuscany is more than just urban monuments.
Torre del Mangia
62 m
Palazzo Pubblico
59 m
Fonte Gaia
24 m
Loggia della Mercanzia
68 m
Palazzo Chigi-Saracini
154 m
Palazzo Piccolomini
134 m
Palazzo Sansedoni, Siena
73 m
Cappella di Piazza
68 m
San Martino
182 m
Logge del Papa
176 m
Museo Civico
59 m
Palazzo del Magnifico
138 m
Teatro dei Rozzi
114 m
Teatro Comunale dei Rinnovati
81 m
Archivio di Stato di Siena
138 m
Palazzo Patrizi
98 m
Palazzo Chigi Zondadari
90 m
San Vigilio
185 m
Castellare degli Ugurgieri
187 m
Palazzo Bindi Sergardi
116 m
Historic Centre of Siena
29 m
Palazzo Piccolomini-Clementini
174 m
Torre di Roccabruna
77 m
Sant’Antonio da Padova (Siena)
189 m
Torre delle Sette Seghinelle
65 m
San Niccolò in Sasso
133 m
Archivio e percorso storico dell'università di Siena
137 m
Palazzo Rinuccini
173 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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