Piazza del Campo of Siena

At the heart of Siena is the spectacular Piazza del Campo: the enormous and attractive space, which has the vague shape of a shell leaning towards the South, represents on the most complex and perfect medieval urban creations in existence, other than one of the most renown settings in Italy. Dominated by the magnificent Palazzo Pubblico with the very high and slender Tower del Mangia, city-symbol, other 13th-14th-century buildings stand out: Palazzo Chigi-Zondadari, Palazzo Sansedoni, and Palazzo d'Elci-degli Alessi. The piazza is embellished with the elegant Gaia Fountain, created in the 14th century, whose name is owed to the joy of the Sienese people when they saw the first spurt of water. Built between the 13th and 14th century, Palazzo Pubblico (or Palazzo del Comune), without a doubt is the most important and representative building of the city, and is considered the most principle civil evidence of Italian Gothic. The façade, crowned by merlons, stands out for the hot red color of the brick, and it is embellished by the doors and windows with Sienese arch of eastern derivation, by a large loggia and two rows of double and triple-lancet windows. Here you can admire the various emblems, among which a Medicean coat of arms and the characteristic "Sienese balzana", a half white and half black shield. The adjacent Mangia Tower, located to the left of the palazzo, symbolizes communal authority and, in virtue of its position, every hour its shadow is reflected on the piazza, producing an eloquent scenic effect, like a game with geometric lines. Edified in brick, with merlon crowning in white travertine, it is 88 meters high (which become 102 at the point of the lightning rod) and is visible from a large distance. At the base of the tower is the 14th-century Piazza Chapel, full of statues of saints, which was realized during the tragic plague of 1348. On the inside of the Palazzo, which is home to the Civic Museum, varied and precious works of art, among which frescoes representing an important civil society document from the 14th century, are conserved. The building has numerous rooms: first of all Sala dei Nove stands out, where famous frescoes depict, on one side, the Effects of Good Government in the city and in the country, and on the other the Bad Government and its effects; in the first is a happy depiction of the city and rural life; in the second are paintings of treason, cruelty, fraud, war, etc... Exiting the hall you can admire The Chapel, with works of Sodoma. Then, to note are the Sala del Mappamondo, called that because a rotating map of the Sienese Republic territory was painted here. Finally, it is recommended reaching the summit of the Mangia Tower, even though you must climb more than 200 steps: the fatigue will we repaid by an extraordinary panorama over Siena and its hills.
In the exceptional space of Piazza del Campo, the event for which the city is famous takes place, that is the valiant Palio of Siena. Originally instituted in honor of San Bonifazio, the Palio of Siena takes place in Piazza del Campo, as a conclusion of the festivities of the middle of August, dedicated to Maria Assunta, patron of Siena. All districts participate, divided by  "heated" rivalry. Thousands of spectators coming from all over get carried away by the excitement of the wild race of the horses driven by their jockeys. It involves a one-of-a-kind medieval festival in Italy that has survived for the sake tradition and does not exist for mere touristic purposes. Great honor is given to the winner, but even more dishonor is given to whom arrives in second place, the result is considered the worst by the Sienese. The competition is guided by precise rules and is extremely picturesque. The horses, for example, are not directly selected but rather drawn for and assigned to the districts: and they cannot be changed, almost to symbolize the destiny of the competition. In addition, a horse can win even without his jockey, if he falls off.   Another beloved tradition is that before the race is a propitiatory diner. The "via" for the race is given by a contraption, the "verrocchio", while on the same day as the palio a historic parade takes place along the streets. It must be said that often the Palio of Siena, run with some danger, unfortunately has some violence and vulgarity, with fights between the participants and their supporters. However, the event  has become a legend, and should be seen at least once, knowing that roughness is an integral part of the show.