Piazza del Campo Italy Postcard

Piazza del Campo is the main public space in the historic centre of Siena, Tuscany, widely regarded as one of Europe's greatest mediaeval squares. This shell-shaped piazza is renowned for its architectural integrity, surrounding the Palazzo Pubblico and the magnificent Torre del Mangia. It was constructed on the site where the ancient Roman forum was thought to have been, at the convergence of the three hills on which the city is built. The square's distinct semi-circular form slopes downward towards the Palazzo Pubblico. A red brick pavement is divided into nine sectors by white travertine lines, symbolising the 'Council of Nine' who governed Siena during its mediaeval golden age. Today, it remains the vibrant heart of the city and is famous for hosting the Palio di Siena, a historic horse race run around the piazza's perimeter twice each year.