Not many places in Toscana which impress as Campo in Siena. Especially when you are coming here after the narrow medieval streets of the city. Campo is a historical center of the city. And today is a center of the city’s life. Each evening locals and guests of Siena come here to sit at the table in some café. And most famous event of Siena – Palio – also happens here, at Campo.
Campo has been built above the ancient Roman forum and has the layout of Roman amphitheatre. In 13 century, when city’s authorities contrived to build Central Square, old Roman forum was only the one place applicable for it.
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Siena has been divided to the different communities which were rivals one to another. And Campo located at the neutral place where quarters of communities converged into the one place. So it’s was very organic that in 1293 City Council bought this land and began construction.
One of the most interesting elements of the Campo – is its paving which symbolizes the honor of Siena to the Virgin. From its beginning Campo began to play a very important role in the city’s life. Besides the Palio all important event took their place here including the public executions and local festivals.
At the central part of the Campo dominates Renaissance fountain Fonte Gaia designed in 15 century by by Jacopo della Quercia. The art idea of fountain is to emulate famous murals of “on Good and Bad Government” in the Palazzo Pubblico. Another interesting monument at Campo is Cappella di Piazza which has been built at the middle of 14 century next to Torre del Mangia.
