Piazza del Campo
Siena, Italy
A shell-shaped medieval square that hosts the Palio horse race each July and August.
The Piazza del Campo, or Il Campo for short, is the fan-shaped main square of Siena in Tuscany. It slopes gently and is regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. According to Fodor’s it was laid out near the end of the 12th century on a market area; Lonely Planet gives the mid-12th century and names the Council of Nine as planners, on the site of a Roman marketplace.
The paving is divided into nine sections that recall the members of the medieval Council of Nine. The Fonte Gaia stands at the upper end; its reliefs are 19th-century copies, and the originals are in the Santa Maria della Scala museum complex. Cafés around the square invite you to coffee and aperitivo.
On 2 July and 16 August the square hosts the Palio and is then very crowded. Entry to the square is free. For quiet and photos, come at off-peak times.
- Nearest town
- Siena, Italy
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 43.3183, 11.3316
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Siena: Limited traffic zone (ZTL). Cameras fine unauthorised vehicles in the historic centre, including hire cars. Park outside and walk or take transit; hotels inside may register your plate.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- ColleverdeCampsite2 km from Piazza del CampoTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Il SambucoMotorhome stopover5 km from Piazza del CampoMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping "La Montagnola"Campsite10 km from Piazza del CampoTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowed
- Area Sosta Camper La PostaMotorhome stopover11 km from Piazza del Campo · 30 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Azienda Agricola La MontaninaMotorhome stopover11 km from Piazza del CampoMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Agricampeggio L'ApicornoCampsite24 km from Piazza del CampoTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Piazza del Campo?
Piazza del Campo is in Siena, Italy, at GPS 43.3183, 11.3316. It is about 13 km from Monteriggioni.
Can you camp near Piazza del Campo?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Parcheggio Il Fagiolone, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 21 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Piazza del Campo?
Piazza del Campo is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Tuscany and Lazio by motorhome.
What is there to see near Piazza del Campo?
Places worth a stop nearby: Walls of Monteriggioni (12 km), Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore (23 km), San Gimignano (29 km) and Badia a Passignano (29 km).
When is the best time to visit Piazza del Campo?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)