Things to Do at Piazza del Campo

Complete Guide to Piazza del Campo in Siena

About Piazza del Campo

Piazza Del Campo in Siena showcases authentic historical architecture and cultural artifacts preserved through careful restoration efforts. Admission ranges from €8 (9 USD) to €22 (25 USD) depending on guided tour options and seasonal pricing variations. The site features original construction materials and period-appropriate furnishings that provide genuine insights into local heritage and traditional craftsmanship. Visit during weekday mornings when crowds are smaller and lighting is optimal for photography The experience combines educational value with atmospheric details where weathered stone surfaces warm under morning sunlight while visitors explore spaces that have witnessed centuries of local history and cultural development.

What to See & Do

Palazzo Pubblico

The Gothic town hall dominates the square's lower edge with its distinctive crenellated facade. You can tour the interior to see remarkable frescoes, including Ambrogio Lorenzetti's famous Allegory of Good and Bad Government

Torre del Mangia

This 102-meter bell tower offers panoramic views over Siena's terracotta rooftops and the Tuscan countryside. The climb is steep but worth it - just be prepared for narrow medieval stairs

Fonte Gaia

The ornate fountain at the top of the square is a 19th-century reproduction of Jacopo della Quercia's 15th-century original. It's a popular gathering spot and provides context for how the piazza has served as Siena's social center for centuries

Palio Track Markings

Look for the marble markers embedded in the pavement that outline the Palio racecourse. Even without the horses, you can trace the challenging circuit and imagine the intensity of this centuries-old tradition

Medieval Palaces

The ring of Gothic and Renaissance palaces surrounding the square creates one of Italy's most harmonious architectural ensembles. Each building tells part of Siena's story as a medieval banking powerhouse

Practical Information

Opening Hours

The piazza itself is accessible 24/7, though Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia typically open 10am-7pm (shorter hours in winter)

Tickets & Pricing

Free to enjoy the square; Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia require separate tickets (around €10-15 each, with combo options available)

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. If you're here during Palio season (July 2 or August 16), book accommodation well in advance

Suggested Duration

Allow at least 1-2 hours to properly appreciate the square, longer if you're climbing the tower or touring the palazzo

Getting There

Siena's historic center bans cars. You'll walk from your hotel or the bus station, though train arrivals need the city bus-Pollicino takes about 20 minutes to reach the center. Follow signs for 'Il Campo' once you're inside the medieval walls. The approach matters here. You'll squeeze through narrow alleys before the piazza opens up in front of you-one of those moments that makes the walk worthwhile. Drivers can't enter the walls, so use the designated lots outside and walk in.

Things to Do Nearby

Siena Cathedral (Duomo)
Just a short uphill walk brings you to one of Italy's most spectacular Gothic cathedrals, famous for its striped marble facade and Bernini sculptures

Santa Maria della Scala
This former hospital turned museum sits opposite the cathedral and houses impressive frescoes and archaeological finds, offering insight into medieval Siena

Pinacoteca Nazionale
Siena's main art gallery showcases the distinctive Sienese school of painting, with works spanning from the 13th to 16th centuries

Via di Città
The main shopping street connecting the Campo to the cathedral area, lined with medieval buildings, local boutiques, and traditional shops selling Sienese specialties

Tips & Advice

Bring a cushion or something to sit on if you plan to spend time on the brick pavement - it gets uncomfortable after a while, but the people-watching is too good to miss

Visit during the evening passeggiata (around 6-8pm) when locals come out for their traditional stroll - it's when the piazza feels most authentically Italian

The restaurants directly on the piazza tend to be tourist-focused and pricey; duck into the side streets for better value and more authentic dining

If you're here during Palio time, the atmosphere is electric but crowds are intense - arrive very early to secure a good viewing spot in the center of the square