Piazza del Campo

square, Siena, Italy

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June 22, 2026

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Palio, The The Piazza del Campo filled with spectators for the Palio of Siena.

The Piazza del Campo is a large, shell-shaped public square in Siena, Italy, renowned as the heart of the city's civic life. It is famous for hosting the Palio, a historic bareback horse race held twice annually on July 2 and August 16. This medieval festival involves ten of Siena's seventeen contrade (neighborhood districts) competing fiercely. The race itself is brief, lasting only about a minute as horses and riders complete three laps around the square. Preceding the race is a grand parade featuring representatives from all the contrade, dressed in historical costumes. The Piazza del Campo is also home to significant historical buildings, including the Palazzo Pubblico (Public Palace) and the Mangia Tower.12

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Siena
…large, shell-shaped square called the Piazza del Campo, which is the focus of Siena’s civic life. Tourists come to Siena in large numbers to view the Corsa del Palio, the famous horse races of medieval origin that are held twice annually on the Piazza del Campo amid colourful festivities. Standing…
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…large, shell-shaped square called the Piazza del Campo, which is the focus of Siena’s civic life. Tourists come to Siena in large numbers to view the Corsa del Palio, the famous horse races of medieval origin that are held twice annually on the Piazza del Campo amid colourful festivities. Standing…
Read More