It is the heart of Siena, the fulcrum of its historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Piazza del Campo, the “shell” divided into nine sections as a testament to the Nove Signori (Nine Lords) that governed the city at the end of the 13th century, impresses visitors with its elegance and truly unique shape.

The square got its name from its former life as a green space that hosted the market of Siena, and today acts as its prime activity hub and open-air arena where twice a year the famous Palio di Siena takes place. On July 2 and August 16, the quiet stone-paved square is covered with a layer of earth, made up of sand and gravel, and the horses of the different districts face off.