Piazza del Campo, the heart of Siena

Piazza del Campo has been the core of Siena since Roman times, when the Romans had their Forum here. The square has a distinctive shell shape and it is here that the famous Palio di Siena is held. The square was repaved during the Government of the Nine, a semi-democratic group in power between 1287 and 1355, with a division into nine sections in memory of the Government and symbolizes the cloak of the Madonna who protects the city. The Campo is dominated by the red Palazzo Pubblico and its tower, called Torre del Mangia. The Palazzo Pubblico, like the Duomo of Siena, was built during the Government of the Nine, which was the period of maximum economic and cultural splendor of Siena. The Palace still houses the offices of the Municipality, similarly to Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. From the courtyard inside the Palace you can access the Civic Museum and the Torre del Mangia, at the top of which, after climbing the 500 steps, you can enjoy a splendid view of the city.