Piazza del Campo, Siena
This is the central public space of Siena, and was built between 1280 and 1350. Its extraordinary quality is much to do with its irregular shape -a bit like a clam shell. It is probably best known as the location of the Palio horse race.
The tower is that of the Palazzo Publico. This photo was taken from the top of the walls of the unfinsihed transept of Il Duomo.
We never go to places like this in season. We visited here a number of times in October, and in the early morning. It was warm and peaceful and , as the morning went on, began to bustle with the work of the locals as they prepared for the tourist influx later in the day. When the first bus group arrived, we left for the art and the churches. Siena is wonderful at any time, but out of season it can be a transformational experience.
The trick that really worked for us was to stay in Asciano - an
attractive small town with no tourists at all out of high season, and
about 20 minute's drive from Siena.
Asciano also has a station from which it is easy to travel to Siena,
Florence, and Rome for the day. Thus we had all the benefits of a car
for visiting the smaller places, but did not have to worry about
parking in the larger centres.
Comments and faves
tarzanne, fabianmohr, algo, sobri, and 48 other people added this photo to their favorites.
Jeff Clow (96 months ago | reply)
Wow...what a terrific angle....you've filled the frame with lots of different things....the plaza...the tower...the distant village....and yet it doesn't feel "crowded"....
REALLY well done....!
algo (96 months ago | reply)
That's a beautiful view.
Lovely warm colour.
I presume you are scanning: I do admire that. I just can't get myself to start that.
starbeard (91 months ago | reply)
Gorgeous view - super Italian light warming the scene. Nice shot.
hermoinee41 (87 months ago | reply)
I've never been to Siena but it is such a beautiful shot that I wanted it in "my favourites" portfolio.
dorka_31 (87 months ago | reply)
Beautiful view! And also very nice shot. Good composition :-))
(1-2-3 History)
Keri Leaman (birderkeri) (87 months ago | reply)
1-2-3 History
I fav'ed it too. Wonderful shot and from your words I could see the hustle and bustle in my mind's eye even a small bit.
Cameron Booth (87 months ago | reply)
The Campo is one of the great squares of Europe, and I agree with you totally about visiting out of season. I visited in late November and enjoyed exploring in relative peace. The one problem was the train breaking down on the way back to Florence and waiting at a tiny little station in the middle of nowhere for three hours! The joys of travel!
(1-2-3 History)
mike nl [deleted] (87 months ago | reply)
Fantastic shot! Such a beautiful historical place!
(1-2-3 history)
destinatio (very busy) (87 months ago | reply)
Great place and fabulous shot!" Thanks for the detailed historic and useful touristic information!
1-2-3 History
oefe (87 months ago | reply)
Siena is a nice town, and the Campo is a great square.
Nice shot, but it's a pity that the tower is truncated.
1-2-3 history.
TripTrip Photography (82 months ago | reply)
Splendid view
The World Through My Eyes
Paco_MUC (77 months ago | reply)
Great!
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Seen in your Tuscany set. (?)
Tjflex2 (53 months ago | reply)
Nice shot.
bauerbe_mv (43 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Traditional Skyscrapers, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Lais Castro ( ex Nuage Bleu) (40 months ago | reply)
Che bella Siena! Tanto tempo fa che sono stata lí...
Mike07922 (40 months ago | reply)
fabulous perspective
Mike07922 (40 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Public Space: the Ordinary and Extraordinary, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Monica Forss (back from London) (14 months ago | reply)
This is a great shot!
Please post it to the Magnum Showcase group.
Monica Forss (back from London) (13 months ago | reply)
Beautiful capture!Please post it to our Group “Good photo,good details” group.