Monuments and squares in Siena

PIAZZA DEL CAMPO

Piazza del Campo is a unique place in the world. The Palazzo Pubblico with the Torre del Mangia and other historical palaces surround the wide concave shell-shaped square. The square was realized at the end of the 13^th century in a place situated at the junction of various important roads that had been used as a marketplace for a long time. When it was realized, Piazza del Campo could contain the whole population of the town and it hosted shows, tournaments, buffalo and bull races. Twice a year Piazza del Campo hosts the celebrated Palio, which every year attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. In the days of the Palio visiting Piazza del Campo is like going back to the 14^th century: covered with dirt, the “shell” is full of historical costumes, horses and jockeys.

TORRE DEL MANGIA

The Torre del Mangia stands on the left of the Palazzo Pubblico. It was Muccio and Francesco di Rinaldo, two architects from Perugia, who designed this wonderful tower, built between 1338 and 1348. The tower owes its odd name (meaning “Tower of the Eater”) to its first guardian, Giovanni di Duccio, nicknamed Mangiaguadagni. The 88-metre tower is entirely in bricks; Lippo Memmi likely designed the stone belfry. Four hundred stairs lead to the top of the tower, opening onto a wonderful panorama.

CAPPELLA DI PIAZZA

The Cappella di Piazza is a jutting marble loggia situated at the foot of the Torre del Mangia. It was added in 1352 as a vow for the Holy Virgin by the Sienese who had survived the

FONTE GAIA

The Fonte Gaia, situated in the upper part of Piazza del Campo, was Siena’s first public fountain. Jacopo della Quercia realized it around 1419. The fountain features beautiful bas-reliefs representing the Creation of Adam and Adam and Eve’s Banishment from Eden. The front panels are decorated with two statues representing Rhea Silvia and Acca Larentia, whereas the relief at the centre of the longest panel represents the Madonna with Child Enthroned surrounded by Virtues and Angels. The fountain was called Fonte Gaia (“Fountain of Joy”) in memory of the burst of joy that welcomed the arrival of water in Siena city centre.

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