History and Architecture
Piazza del Campo, a universal symbol of Siena, is a perfect example of a medieval city, as recognized by UNESCO. The square was built at the junction of three ancient hill towns, giving birth to the community of Siena. Its unique shape, resembling a shell, is the result of architectural guidelines established in 1297, which guided the construction of the surrounding buildings. Each building had to adhere to these guidelines, otherwise it was demolished, as happened to the ancient church of San Pietro e Paolo.
Symbolism
The square, with its circumference of 333 meters, is paved with red brick in a herringbone pattern divided by 10 rows of white travertine, creating 9 sections that seem to point towards the Palazzo Pubblico. Each section represents one of the 9 governors who exercised power during the "Government of the Nine", considered one of the most stable and peaceful governments in Italy. The sections also represent the folds of the mantle of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the city and considered the "sum governante" of Siena.
Madonna dell'Umiltà (1433) by Domenico di Bartolo
Modern Use
Today, Piazza del Campo hosts Siena's most important events, including the famous Palio. During the day, it is a place where tourists sit to rest after strolling through the romantic streets of the historic center and visiting the Duomo and the numerous city museums. The square, with its dimensions, was conceived as a place where the entire citizenship could meet to participate in various activities, games, and political events, still maintaining this function today.
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Piazza del Campo

The Jewel of Siena
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Il Campo, Siena

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Piazza del Campo

The Jewel of Siena

History and Architecture
Piazza del Campo, a universal symbol of Siena, is a perfect example of a medieval city, as recognized by UNESCO. The... ➔

The National Gallery of Siena

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