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Il Campo: Siena's Medieval Heart

Experience the heart of Siena in Piazza del Campo, a stunning medieval square steeped in history and vibrant with culture.

Piazza del Campo, or Il Campo as it's known, is the main public space in the historic center of Siena, Tuscany. This medieval square, famous for its unique shell shape, is the site of the Palio horse race and a gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

A brief summary to Il Campo

  • Siena, Province of Siena, 53100, IT

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on the brick-paved square and surrounding streets.
  • Be aware of pickpockets, especially during crowded events like the Palio.
  • Visit the Torre del Mangia for panoramic views of Siena, but be prepared for a climb and potential wait times.
  • Enjoy a coffee or aperitivo at one of the cafes surrounding the square to soak in the atmosphere.
  • Check the event calendar for festivals, concerts, and other events that take place in the square throughout the year.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From anywhere within Siena's historic center, Piazza del Campo is easily accessible on foot. Follow the signs towards 'Il Campo' or simply head downhill, as the square is located in a natural depression. Be aware that some streets leading to the square have steps.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus from outside the city center, disembark at Piazza Gramsci (also known as Via Tozzi), the main bus terminal. From there, it's a short, mostly downhill walk to Piazza del Campo, approximately 5-10 minutes. Local bus tickets cost around €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available at the Siena train station and other taxi stands throughout the city. A taxi ride from the train station to Piazza del Campo typically costs between €6-€10 and takes about 3 minutes. Keep in mind that taxis may have limited access to the immediate vicinity of the square due to traffic restrictions.

  • Parking

    If driving, be aware that the historic center of Siena is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL). Several parking garages are located outside the ZTL, including 'Il Campo' (Via di Fontanella), 'Il Duomo' (Via del Nuovo Asilo), and 'Stadio-Fortezza'. Hourly rates at these garages are around €2.00, with daily rates ranging from €26.00 to €35.00. From the parking garages, you can either walk or take a local bus to Piazza del Campo.

Discover more about Il Campo

Piazza del Campo, universally known as Il Campo, has been Siena's vibrant heart since the 12th century. This sloping piazza, built on the site of a former Roman marketplace, is renowned for its unique shell shape, divided into nine distinct sections that pay homage to the Council of Nine, who governed Siena during its golden age from 1292-1355. These divisions, crafted from red brick arranged in a herringbone pattern and accented with travertine marble lines, were designed to resemble the folds in the Virgin Mary's cloak, the city's patron saint. Il Campo has been the focal point of public life in Siena for centuries. It was designed to hold the entire town's population for activities, games, and political events. Today, it continues to host major events, most notably the Palio di Siena, a thrilling horse race that occurs twice annually, on July 2nd and August 16th. Dominating the square is the Palazzo Pubblico, Siena's city hall, a magnificent Gothic structure that houses the Museo Civico. Adjoining the Palazzo Pubblico is the Torre del Mangia, a slender tower offering panoramic views of Siena and the surrounding countryside. Opposite the Palazzo Pubblico stands the Fonte Gaia, a fountain originally constructed in 1346, though the current marble carvings are 19th-century copies. Il Campo remains a gathering place for locals and tourists, who come to relax, picnic, and admire the architecture. The cafes lining the perimeter of the square are popular spots for coffee and aperitivo.

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