Piazza del Campo, Siena
The Torre del Mangia, Palazzo Pubblico, the shell-shaped square where the Palio runs twice a year: an independent guide to Siena's medieval heart, with the practical information that actually matters.
The Shell Shape
The square is divided into nine radial sectors, honouring the Government of the Nine that ruled Siena between 1287 and 1355. It's considered one of the best-preserved medieval squares in Europe.
Palazzo Pubblico
The historic seat of city government, a masterpiece of Gothic civic architecture with a concave façade that follows the curve of the square. Today it houses the Museo Civico.
Torre del Mangia
88 metres tall, the second-highest medieval tower in Italy. From the top, reached by 400 steps, you get a panoramic view over all of Siena and the surrounding hills.
Fonte Gaia
The monumental fountain at the upper end of the square, by Jacopo della Quercia (1419), decorated with allegorical reliefs. The version visible today is a copy — the original is in the Museo di Santa Maria della Scala.
The Palio transforms the square twice a year
On July 2nd and August 16th, Piazza del Campo becomes a racetrack: the perimeter is covered in packed earth and, over three laps, ten horses and jockeys representing the contrade compete in front of tens of thousands of spectators. If you're visiting on those days, expect huge crowds and limited access to the square from early afternoon. If you just want to see the trial runs (the "prove" in the days before), the atmosphere is nearly as intense with far fewer crowds.
Piazza del Campo is free and always open, but the Torre del Mangia and Museo Civico have capped entry — booking ahead is worthwhile, especially in high season.
Contrada trattorias
Pici with ragù, ribollita, cinta senese pork: the best restaurants are often those tied to one of the 17 contrade, away from the venues right on the square.
See food toursPanforte and ricciarelli
Siena's traditional sweets, made with candied fruit, honey and almonds, are found in the historic pastry shops of the centre — a genuine edible souvenir, not from a tourist shop.
See tastingsWine in Piazza del Campo
A glass of Chianti Classico or Brunello di Montalcino at tables overlooking the square, with the Torre del Mangia lit up in the background — pricey but unforgettable.
See evening tastingsJuly 2nd and August 16th
The two annual Palio races transform the square into an event unlike anything else in the world. The "prove" (trial runs) in the days before offer an intense atmosphere with far fewer crowds.
Discover the PalioSettimana Musicale Senese
Every July, classical music concerts fill historic venues across the city, organised by the Accademia Musicale Chigiana, among the most prestigious in Italy.
See what's onThe Contrade
Siena's 17 contrade aren't just Palio teams: they're living communities with their own museums, churches and traditions, open to visit year-round.
Discover the contradeRun a business in Siena?
Trattorias, pastry shops, tour operators, wine bars: if you'd like to be featured in this section or in "What to See", get in touch.
Hotels
Service, breakfast included, 24-hour reception. The most convenient choice for short stays in the historic centre, often in restored period buildings.
Search hotelsApartments
Space, your own kitchen, ideal for families or longer stays. Often better value than hotels for groups of 3 or more.
Search apartmentsB&Bs
Local warmth, home-cooked breakfast, lower prices. The most authentic way to experience one of the 17 Sienese contrade.
Search B&BsTransfer
Siena has no airport of its own: it's reached from Florence (direct bus in about 1h15, the train requires a change and is slower) or from Pisa/Rome by longer bus rides. From Siena's station, a 20-minute uphill walk or shuttle bus into the centre.
Full transfer guideCar rental
Siena's historic centre has an extensive restricted traffic zone and many steep pedestrian streets: pointless for the square itself. It makes sense for exploring Chianti, Val d'Orcia and San Gimignano independently.
When it's worth renting
Space reserved for local operators.
Piazze d'Italia Network
Piazza del Campo is one of the iconic squares told by the Piazze d'Italia network — independent territorial guides dedicated to the places where history, architecture and public life meet, city after city.
Discover the other piazze →
Your first stop in Siena: Italy's most scenic medieval square
Torre del Mangia, Palazzo Pubblico and Fonte Gaia can be visited as a single, free, always-open block.
See tickets and experiences