Siena, Tuscany, Italy. Piazza del Campo.

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Piazza del Campo

Top choice in Siena


Popularly known as 'Il Campo', this sloping piazza has been Siena's social centre since being staked out by the ruling Consiglio dei Nove (Council of Nine) in the mid-12th century. Built on the site of a Roman marketplace, its paving is divided into nine sectors representing the members of the consiglio, and these days acts as a carpet on which young locals meet and relax. The cafes around its perimeter are the most popular coffee and aperitivo (predinner drinks) spots in town.

The Fonte Gaia is located in the upper part of the square.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Siena attractions

1. Fonte Gaia

0.01 MILES

Water first bubbled forth from the Fonte Gaia in the upper part of the Campo in 1346. The fountain's panels are reproductions; the severely weathered…

2. Loggia della Mercanzia

0.04 MILES

Built between 1417 and 1428, this arched loggia with its distinctive sculptures is located on the Croce del Travaglio, from which the three main roads of…

3. Museo Civico

0.05 MILES

Entered via the Palazzo Pubblico's Cortile del Podestà (Courtyard of the Chief Magistrate), this wonderful museum showcases rooms richly frescoed by…

4. Torre del Mangia

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Completed in 1348, this 87m-high red-brick-and-travertine bell tower commands magnificent views from its highest levels. Its name (The Tower of Eater)…

5. Palazzo Pubblico

0.05 MILES

Built to demonstrate the enormous wealth, proud independence and secular nature of Siena, this 14th-century Gothic masterpiece is the visual focal point…

6. Sinagoga di Siena

0.08 MILES

Sheltering behind an anonymous facade, this Ashkenazi synagogue in Siena's former Ghetto once serviced a community of 500. Sadly, a mere 50 Jews now live…

7. Museo delle Tavolette di Biccherne

0.09 MILES

Housed in the Renaissance-era Palazzo Piccolomini, Siena's State Archive isn't a usual stop on the standard tourist itinerary, but it provides ample…

8. Palazzo Chigi Saracini

0.1 MILES

Few buildings have pedigrees as splendid as this 13th-century palace. Home of the Piccolomini family (of which Pope Pius II was the most prominent member)…

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