Piazza del Campo (Siena Main Square)

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Description: The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo lies at the heart of Siena and has served as a focus for life in the city for centuries. It is widely regarded as the finest Medieval square in Europe and twice a year, in July and August, provides a splendid backdrop for the Corsa del Palio, a fast and furious bareback horse race dating back to the 15th century. The Palazzo Pubblico (Town Hall), which stands proudly at the top of the piazza, was constructed between 1297 and 1310 as the seat of the Governo dei Nove, or Government of Nine, who ruled Siena from 1287-1355, when the city enjoyed considerable economic and cultural prosperity. The interior of the building, which is now the Museo Civico (Civic Museum), contains many paintings by Sienese masters such as Simone Martini and Ambrogio Lorenzetti, as well as the remains of the Gaia Fountain decorated by renowned sculptor Jacopo della Quercia, who was also born in the city. Next to the Palazzo Pubblico stands the Torre del Mangia (Mangia Tower), a belltower which rises to 102m (334ft); visitors can climb to the top for views of the winding cobbled streets which fan out from the piazza, and timeless vistas of the Tuscan countryside.

Contact Addresses: Museo Civico, Palazzo Comunale, Piazza del Campo, 53100 Siena, Italy
Tel: (0577) 292 263. Fax: (0577) 292 296.

Transportation: Air: Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport. Rail: Train: Siena Station. Road: Bus: Services to Piazza San Domenico from Siena Station, then on foot. Car: A1 (from Rome, exit Valdichiana); Superstrada del Palio (from Florence); A12 (from Genoa). The historic centre of Siena is pedestrianised.

Opening Times: Museo Civico: Daily 1000-1830 (1 Nov-15 Mar); daily 1000-1900 (16 Mar-31 May); daily 1000-2300 (1 Jun-30 Sep); daily 1000-1900 (1-31 Oct). Torre del Mangia: Daily 1000-1600 (31 Oct-15 Mar); daily 1000-1900 (16 Mar-30 Oct).

Admission Fees: Museo Civico: EUR6.50/L12,600 (adult), EUR4/L7750 (adult over 65 and child 11-18), free (child under 11). Concessions available. Torre del Mangia: EUR5.50/L10,650 (adult), free (child under 6).