Piazza del Campo
Siena's Piazza del Campo: a breathtaking medieval shell-shaped square, home to the thrilling Palio horse race and the heart of Tuscan charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Palio horse race days
Piazza del Campo
Best Time
Palio horse race days
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Siena's Piazza del Campo: a breathtaking medieval shell-shaped square, home to the thrilling Palio horse race and the heart of Tuscan charm.
"Piazza del Campo is the most beautiful medieval square in Italy, a true gem of Tuscany!"
Book Palio Tickets Early
For the Palio, secure tickets or a viewing spot months in advance. It's a massive event!
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Siena is hilly with cobblestone streets. Prioritize comfort for exploring!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Piazza del Campo
Heart of Siena
Iconic shell-shaped medieval square, famous for the Palio horse race. A vibrant social hub.
Torre del Mangia
Piazza del Campo
Climb this towering medieval bell tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Siena and Tuscany.
Duomo di Siena
Near Piazza del Campo
A stunning Gothic cathedral with a striking black and white marble facade and intricate interior.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Palio
Embrace the Medieval Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Palio Tickets Early
For the Palio, secure tickets or a viewing spot months in advance. It's a massive event!
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Siena is hilly with cobblestone streets. Prioritize comfort for exploring!
Enjoy an Aperitivo
Experience the local culture with an aperitivo in Piazza del Campo as the sun sets.
Climb Torre del Mangia
The 400 steps are worth it for unparalleled city views. Go early to avoid queues.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Palio Tickets Early
For the Palio, secure tickets or a viewing spot months in advance. It's a massive event!
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Siena is hilly with cobblestone streets. Prioritize comfort for exploring!
Enjoy an Aperitivo
Experience the local culture with an aperitivo in Piazza del Campo as the sun sets.
Climb Torre del Mangia
The 400 steps are worth it for unparalleled city views. Go early to avoid queues.
Taste Local Delicacies
Don't miss pici pasta, panforte, and white truffles if in season.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Piazza del Campo for its stunning medieval beauty and vibrant atmosphere, calling it the heart of Siena. The Palio horse race is a major draw, though it brings immense crowds. Many enjoy climbing the Torre del Mangia for panoramic views and savoring local Tuscan cuisine.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Piazza del Campo is the central heart of Siena, so most visitors arrive by walking from other parts of the city. If arriving by train, take a local bus from Siena train station to the city center. Buses are frequent and convenient.
Driving into Siena's historic center is restricted due to ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones). It's best to park outside the city walls and walk or take a bus in.
The most popular and convenient way is by bus. Buses depart frequently from Florence's main bus station and take about 1.5 hours.
Yes, taxis are available in Siena, but they can be expensive. They are usually found at taxi stands or can be booked by phone.
Piazza del Campo itself is flat and accessible. However, the surrounding streets are often cobblestoned and hilly, which can be challenging with a stroller.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Piazza del Campo is a public square and is free to enter and explore at any time.
Climbing Torre del Mangia typically costs around €10-€15. It's advisable to check the official website for current prices and opening hours.
The Palio di Siena takes place twice a year: on July 2nd and August 16th.
Tickets for the Palio are highly sought after and sell out quickly. They can be purchased through official channels or authorized resellers, often months in advance. Standing room in the piazza is free but extremely crowded.
The Duomo di Siena has specific opening hours that vary by season. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can relax, people-watch, enjoy an aperitivo at a cafe, admire the Palazzo Pubblico, and soak in the medieval atmosphere. It's the social heart of Siena.
The Palio is a historic bareback horse race held in Piazza del Campo between rival city districts (contrade). It's a passionate and intense event.
Torre del Mangia offers the most iconic panoramic views. Other good spots include the Duomo's rooftop and various viewpoints around the city walls.
You can spend anywhere from an hour to half a day, depending on whether you're just passing through, enjoying a coffee, or waiting for an event.
Piazza del Campo can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist season and during Palio events. Weekday evenings are generally more relaxed.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are many cafes and restaurants surrounding Piazza del Campo, offering everything from quick snacks to full meals. For a special experience, consider restaurants with piazza views.
Siena is known for its pici pasta, panforte (a dense fruitcake), ricciarelli (almond cookies), and wild boar dishes. In autumn, white truffles are a delicacy.
Dining directly on Piazza del Campo can be pricier due to the prime location. Exploring the side streets often reveals more budget-friendly and authentic options.
An aperitivo is a pre-dinner drink accompanied by small snacks. It's a popular social ritual in Italy, and Siena offers great options, especially with piazza views.
Yes, most restaurants in Siena offer vegetarian options, including pasta dishes, salads, and local specialties like pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread soup).
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique shell shape from various angles, the Palazzo Pubblico, and the Torre del Mangia. Golden hour light is particularly beautiful.
Early morning, just after sunrise, offers the best chance for crowd-free photos. Late evening, after most tourists have left, can also be magical.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the expanse of the piazza. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Yes, but it's extremely crowded. Be prepared for limited angles and potential obstructions. Many people opt to simply experience the event.
Generally, photography is allowed in public spaces like Piazza del Campo. However, some interior areas of museums or churches might have restrictions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Navigating Siena with young children requires some planning due to its hilly, cobblestoned streets. Strollers can be challenging, so a baby carrier might be more practical. Look for family-friendly trattorias that offer simpler pasta dishes. The Duomo di Siena is visually impressive, but keep visits concise to maintain children's interest.
💰 Budget Travelers
For affordable meals, venture a few streets away from the main piazza to find trattorias offering delicious Tuscan fare at lower prices. Consider packing snacks and water to save money throughout the day. Many of Siena's charms lie in its streets and architecture, which can be enjoyed without spending a fortune.
💖 Couples
Take a romantic stroll through the narrow streets, admire the Duomo's beauty, and perhaps share a bottle of local Chianti. For breathtaking views, consider climbing the Torre del Mangia together for a memorable shared experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Palio di Siena: More Than Just a Horse Race
Spectators can witness the Palio from various vantage points, including the free standing room in the center of the piazza (which gets incredibly crowded) or from rented seats around the perimeter. The race itself is incredibly short, lasting only about 90 seconds, but the intensity and emotion are palpable. Winning the Palio is the ultimate honor for a contrada, bringing immense pride and bragging rights for the following year.
Experiencing the Palio requires significant planning. Accommodation and tickets should be booked many months in advance, as Siena becomes exceptionally busy during these dates. For those not attending the Palio, visiting Siena outside of these dates offers a more tranquil experience of its medieval charm and stunning architecture.
Exploring Siena's Medieval Architecture
Beyond the main piazza, Siena's Duomo di Siena (Cathedral) is a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. Its striking black and white striped marble facade and intricate interior, adorned with works by artists like Michelangelo and Bernini, are awe-inspiring. Other notable structures include the Basilica di San Domenico and the Fortezza Medicea, offering different perspectives on Siena's rich history and architectural evolution.
Wandering through Siena's historic center is an experience in itself. The absence of modern cars in many areas enhances the medieval ambiance. Be prepared for hills and cobblestones, as comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the city's many hidden corners and enjoying its timeless beauty.
Culinary Delights of Siena
For those visiting in autumn, Siena is a prime destination for white truffles, a luxurious ingredient that elevates many local dishes. You can find them shaved over pasta, eggs, or meats. The city also boasts excellent cured meats, cheeses, and robust red wines from the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Don't miss the chance to enjoy an aperitivo in Piazza del Campo, a delightful pre-dinner ritual featuring local drinks and small bites.
Dining in Siena ranges from casual trattorias to elegant restaurants. While eating directly on Piazza del Campo offers unparalleled ambiance, exploring the side streets can lead to more authentic and budget-friendly culinary discoveries. Look for establishments that highlight seasonal ingredients and traditional Sienese recipes for a true taste of Tuscany.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit