Kanchan B.
Yelp
Walking into the main square of Siena, is like getting a hug! What struck me also is that it fans out, and is not in a square shape like all the other Tuscan campo's. Of course the main reason this square is so famous is because of the horse racing that happens here - each year the city's contrades (districts) compete in the Palio di Siena, a very unique horse race.
I just fell in love with this city, and this campo is the main reason why! It's just such a people-friendly space and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pink and white bricks in the beautiful sunshine especially add a warmth and feeling of home to the atmosphere.
Our guide told us that this square is one of the best examples of Italian medieval architecture styles, specially observed in two buildings - Palazzo Pubblico (City Hall) and the Torre del Mangia (Bell Tower but literal meaning is Tower of the Eater, because apparently the first guard of the tower was known for spending all his money on food).
The Palazzo Publicco houses the Museo Civico (Civic Hall) and our guide told us this building has some very beautiful 14th century frescoes which decorate the walls. (I didn't go in, so can't comment). The Torre del Mangia is a defining landmark of Siena's skyline and you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city - I didn't have enough time to do this either, so some items are left for my next visit.
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Our guide also pointed out some other significant things about this square. Firstly, the bricks of the Campo are patterned in nine different sections as during medieval times, Siena had a Government of Nine. Secondly, the Fonte Gaia (Fountain of Joy) depicts sculpted reliefs of biblical events and the virtues. Thirdly, this is a very secular square, as the church is not located here, but behind this square.
This spot is truly the heart of Siena! People treat it like Central Park in NYC with folks lying down on the bricks, playing frisbee, cycling, reading, people-watching, drinking coffee and apertivo's on the cafes that are located on the perimeter. Love it and hope to return soon for a longer visit - in fact I might choose this town as a base next time, rather than Florence!