Overview
The medieval heart of the city
Siena's large square, Piazza del Campo, is the true symbol of the city and one of the reasons why UNESCO has listed its historic centre as a World Heritage Site.
On one side stands the enormous Palazzo Pubblico, a Gothic masterpiece guarding the history of the city since the 14th century in the many rooms of the Museo Civico museum, where you can admire frescoes and precious paintings from the golden age of Sienese art. Dominating the elegant palace is the Torre del Mangia, one of the oldest in Italy. From the top of the tower you can take in the imposing square with its characteristic shell shape. The nine segments are dedicated to the members of the Government of the Nine, who helped make Siena the jewel it still is today.
All around the square are elegant, perfectly preserved 14th-century palaces. In the centre of the highest part of the 'Campo', as the square is affectionately called by the Sienese, is Fonte Gaia, a large rectangular fountain designed by Jacopo della Quercia.
Piazza del Campo is also the site of the iconic Palio di Siena, the horse race dating back to medieval times, held twice a year since 1644.
Il Campo, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
