Piazza del Campo

Piazza del Campo

Piazza del Campo is for some the heart and soul of Siena. The city’s most important square, it is the symbol of Siena for the world and a one-of-a-kind shell shaped splendor. Elegant in its own right, this magnificent square is elevated to the status of cultural hub each year by the Palio horse races that are held here in July and August.

Originally, Siena was not born around the Piazza del Campo but was located higher up. The space which is today taken up by the square was originally empty land used as a runoff for rain water, while the surrounding area was once a bustling marketplace. The actual piazza was built in the beginning of 1169 when the city of Siena bought the entire territory from the current Piazza del Mercato to the Mercanzia Lodge.

Today’s Piazza del Campo shows no signs of its humble roots but is the epicentre of the entire city. More than just simply a beautiful square, it is also home to some of the country’s most striking and important heritage listed buildings and monuments. These symbols of the rich architectural and artistic patrimony of the Italians include the Mangia Tower, born as a secular bell tower and named after its first keeper, called “Mangiaguadagni” because he squandered his money on food; the Palazzo Comunale, built between 1298 and 1310; and the Chapel di Piazza, which dates back to 1352 and was built in honor of the Virgin Mary at the feet of the Mangia Tower.

A truly breathtaking sight, the Piazza del Campo is the perfect place to begin your tour of the striking city that is Siena.