Piazza del Campo: Visiting Siena's Heart

# Piazza del Campo: Visiting Siena's Heart

The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo is one of Europe's great urban spaces. It is free, always open, and works at any time of day.

Key facts

• Shape: a perfect fan divided into 9 segments, representing the medieval Council of Nine.
• Best time: late afternoon for sunset light on the brick, or early morning before crowds.
• Sit on the bricks — it is encouraged. No cars, almost no bikes.
• Surrounding buildings: Palazzo Pubblico (city hall), Torre del Mangia, the Fonte Gaia fountain.
• Twice a year (July 2, August 16) the square is filled with sand for the Palio horse race.

What I tell visitors

If you sit at a cafe for an aperitivo on the Campo, expect to pay 8-12 euro for a drink. The view justifies it once.

Related guides

• Vs Sg
• Things
• Walk

Final word

Whatever brings you to Siena — food, the Palio, the Tuscan countryside — slow down. The city repays attention. If you have a tip to add or a correction, write us at redazione@visitsienaguide.it.