Italy's most beautiful square is in the heart of Siena. The Piazza del Campo is the venue for many cultural events, markets and the famous Palio di Siena horse race, which is held here every year.
The unique shape of the piazza
Campo Square still retains its medieval character and centuries-old original shape.
The Piazza del Campo is shaped like a shell sloping quite steeply to one point, where you can admire the ornate drainage channel. How else but in the shape of a seashell.
Along the perimeter of the piazza, you can refresh yourself in the many restaurants or shop in the small supermarket.
The square is divided into 9 imaginary sectors formed by 8 lines of white tavertin. These intersect an area made of red bricks.
The symmetrical shape of the square, sloping down to a single point, is intended to symbolise Siena's urban districts, which all converge on the Piazza del Campo. The history of the area dates back to the 12th century, when the city's central marketplace was established here.
Architecture and interesting buildings
Il Campo is known for the extraordinary architectural integrity of its wealthy townhouses, known as palazzi signorili, which mostly date from the 13th to 14th centuries.
The main landmarks of the square, however, are the town hall's Palazzo Pubblico with its nearly 100-metre-high tower Torre del Mangia.
At the top of the piazza is the beautiful ornate Fonte Gaia, built in 1413. Even in those days, water was fed into it through underground pipes from places up to 25 km away. The fountain is decorated with marble rims with reliefs of the Madonna.
Accommodation in Piazza del Campo
If you fancy accommodation right by the main tourist attractions, then look right around Piazza del Campo.
You won't find any hotels directly on the piazza, only private apartments with prices from 183 eur per night in a 2-bed room, such as Il Nido del Mangia or Piazza del Campo's House.
Among the classic cheaper hotels (around 84 eur per night) we can mention Hotel la Perla about 150 meters from the square.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Siena.
