The Piazza del Campo is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and elegant squares in the world, built between 1293 and 1349. It is the heart of the city of Siena, named after the earlier period when it was a green space for the market.
Its beautiful red brick pavement is shaped like a shell and divided into nine sectors. These symbolise the Council of the Nine, the governing body of the city of Siena, at a time when the city was independent and at the height of its power towards the end of the 13th century.
The Palio equestrian race takes place here on 2 July and 16 August, a historic event of medieval origin. Occasionally, the square is partly covered with sand.
Description of the palaces
Surrounded by several medieval palaces, the square is dominated primarily by the palace of the Palazzo Pubblico which closes one side with its 102-meter high medieval tower dating from 1342. It is the second largest tower in Italy. In this palace, where the city administration was exercised, is housed today the Museo Civico (Municipal Museum). The rooms are sumptuous and decorated with frescoes, including the famous Allegory of Good and Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, from the 14th century.
Opposite, the Palazzo Sansedoni was built by assembling stately palaces from the first half of the 13th century.
Gaia Fountain
The Fonte Gaia fountain, inaugurated in 1386, was the city’s first public fountain. It was embellished in the fifteenth century with statues and reliefs by Jacopo della Quercia, of an original style, between the Gothic tradition and the innovations of the Renaissance.
The current sculptures are copies (made by Tito Sarrocchi in 1868).
The tower
From the top of the Torre della Mangia you can enjoy a splendid view over the square and the city.
Where is Piazza del Campo, map
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