Siena's shell-shaped medieval main square, a brick-paved sloping piazza ringed by palaces, and the arena of the Palio horse race.
Piazza del Campo is the heart of Siena and one of Italy's best-known medieval squares. Its fan or shell shape slopes gently down toward the Palazzo Pubblico, and the red-brick paving is divided by nine bands of white travertine that are traditionally linked to the Council of Nine who governed the city from 1287 to 1355. The square was laid out in the 12th and 13th centuries on the meeting point of three hills, and the Gothic palaces around its rim follow its curve. The Palazzo Pubblico and its 102-metre Torre del Mangia stand at the lowest point; the Fonte Gaia, a monumental fountain, sits at the top. Twice each summer, on 2 July and 16 August, the square becomes a dirt racetrack for the Palio di Siena. On ordinary days it is a public living room where residents, students and visitors sit directly on the bricks. Cafes and restaurants line the rim, and the surrounding lanes lead to the Duomo, Via di Città and the Chigi-Saracini palace.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open at all times (public square) |
| Typical visit | 30-60 minutes (longer for a coffee or lunch) |
| Best time | Early morning for empty bricks and photographs; early evening when the Torre del Mangia casts its shadow across the square |
| Getting there | Pedestrian-only. About 1.5 km uphill from Siena station (city bus to Piazza Gramsci or Piazza Matteotti, then 10-15 minutes on foot); about 10 minutes on foot from the Santa Caterina and Il Campo car parks |
| Address | Piazza del Campo, 53100 Siena SI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- first-time visitors, photographers, people-watching, families
Location
Piazza del Campo, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
43.3182, 11.3311 View on map
Highlights
- Nine-sector shell shape under the Palazzo Pubblico
- Torre del Mangia rising 102 metres
- Fonte Gaia fountain at the top of the slope
- Venue of the Palio on 2 July and 16 August
Tips for visiting
- Cafe terraces on the square charge a premium for table service; standing at the bar or buying a sandwich in a side street is much cheaper
- Sit on the bricks near the Fonte Gaia end for the best view of the Palazzo Pubblico
- On 2 July and 16 August the square is closed to normal use for the Palio, and the infield is crowded from midday
- Wear shoes with grip; the brick paving slopes toward the Palazzo Pubblico
When to visit
Early morning or early evening; midday from April to October is the busiest. Palio days (2 July, 16 August) require advance planning.
Accessibility
Step-free but the brick surface slopes and is uneven; wheelchair users find the edge paving easier than the central bricks.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Piazza del Campo free to visit?
Yes. It is a public square open at all times; tickets are only needed for the Torre del Mangia and the Museo Civico.
Can visitors sit on the ground in the Campo?
Yes. Sitting on the bricks is a local tradition, but picnics with alcohol and glass are discouraged and the square is closed to casual use on Palio days.