Piazza del Campo, Medieval square in Siena, Italy.
Piazza del Campo is a fan-shaped square in central Siena, paved in red brick with lighter stone strips dividing it into nine sections that converge at the Gavinone drain in front of the Palazzo Pubblico. The brick surface slopes down about 15 feet from north to south. At the northwest edge stands the Fonte Gaia, a rectangular basin with a stone rim.
The first record of work on the Campo dates to 1169, when Siena bought land for a market at the meeting of three hill communities. Under the Nine (1287–1355) the Palazzo Comunale was built and the brick paving of the inner basin laid in 1333–1334, with the outer paving in 1347–1348. The Torre del Mangia followed in 1325–1344.
The nine brick wedges of the paving, separated by travertine strips, are linked to the rule of the Nine who governed Siena from 1292 to 1355. The name Campo comes from Campus Fori, the market square recorded in 1193. Visitors often sit or lie on the warm brick as if it were a lawn.
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.
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