Audio Guide of Piazza del Campo

Piazza del Campo is a public square and, as such, it is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can walk around it freely whenever you like. However, the nearby museums and attractions within the square, such as the Public Palace or the Torre del Mangia, do have specific opening hours. Check their websites for more details.

Good news! Walking around Piazza del Campo is completely free. It is the heart of Siena and a public space. You only need to pay if you decide to visit the Civic Museum inside the Public Palace or climb the Torre del Mangia, both of which have their own admission fees.

The amount of time you spend at Piazza del Campo really depends on what you want to do. If you simply want to stroll around and admire its architecture, about 30-60 minutes is enough. If you plan to visit the Civic Museum and climb the Torre del Mangia, you should allow at least 2-3 additional hours to enjoy it at a relaxed pace.

Piazza del Campo has a unique concave shell shape, divided into nine sections representing the Nine Governors of Siena in the 13th century. It is famous for being the setting of the Palio di Siena, a historic horse race held twice a year. This square has been Siena’s civic and social center since medieval times, designed to host public assemblies and markets.

To avoid the crowds and enjoy amazing light, I recommend visiting Piazza del Campo early in the morning or at sunset. As for the time of year, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than summer, when the city is full of tourists.

Yes, Piazza del Campo is quite accessible for wheelchairs, as it is a large paved square and mostly flat. However, some cobblestones may be uneven. Access to the surrounding buildings, such as the Public Palace, may require specific ramps or elevators; I suggest contacting them directly if you have specific needs.

There is plenty to see nearby! Right next to the square, do not miss the Siena Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, and the Cathedral Museum Complex. You can also explore the narrow medieval streets leading off the square, full of shops and restaurants, or visit Santa Maria della Scala, a former hospital turned museum.

Of course, here are a couple of tips: First, wear comfortable shoes, as the ground is cobbled and you will want to explore. Second, consider sitting on the ground, as the locals do, and simply soaking up the atmosphere. And do not forget to try an ice cream or enjoy an aperitif at one of the cafés overlooking the square. They are usually a bit more expensive because of the location, but the experience is worth it!