Piazza del Mercato, Siena

Attraction, Market and Square in Siena

Piazza del Mercato
Piazza del Mercato
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Demeester

Tucked just behind Siena's famous Piazza del Campo, Piazza del Mercato is a broad, slightly sloping medieval square that feels like the city's backstage: quieter, more local, and full of architectural details you might miss if you only stick to Il Campo.

It's an easy add-on to any walking tour of Siena's historic center, especially if you're exploring the Palazzo Pubblico area and want a less-crowded spot for photos, a quick pause, or a different angle on the city's layered streets and rooftops.

History and Significance of the Piazza del Mercato

Piazza del Mercato predates the celebrity of Piazza del Campo and historically served as one of Siena's key commercial spaces, long associated with the city's market life. Its position directly behind the Palazzo Pubblico made it practical: close to civic power, yet open enough for trade and movement.

Over time, the square became closely tied to Siena’s evolving urban identity. In the 19th century, the city undertook improvements aimed at hygiene and “decorum,” reshaping the area and formalizing its market infrastructure.

One of the most distinctive reminders of that era is the covered market structure often nicknamed the Tartarugone, a roof supported by rows of brick pillars. Even though the main market activity moved elsewhere in the mid-20th century, the piazza still reads as a place built for gathering, exchange, and everyday city life.

Things to See and Do in the Piazza del Mercato

Start by taking in the contrast: from the grand, theatrical curve of Piazza del Campo, you step into a more understated space where Siena feels lived-in. Look back toward the rear of the Palazzo Pubblico to appreciate how the civic complex presents a different face from this side.

Spend a few minutes under and around the Tartarugone-style canopy to notice the rhythm of the brick columns and the way the structure frames the square. It’s a simple but memorable piece of urban design, and it often makes for strong perspective shots.

Finally, wander to the edge where the square opens toward the valley. The slight drop in elevation and the sense of “breathing room” are part of the appeal here, especially if you’re doing a self-guided walk and want a calmer pause between Siena’s busier landmarks.

How to Get to the Piazza del Mercato

The nearest major airports are Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci) and Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei), with Rome Fiumicino also possible for longer itineraries. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Siena on Booking.com.

To reach Siena by rail, you'll typically connect via Florence or other Tuscan hubs and arrive at Siena train station, then continue by local bus, taxi, or an uphill walk into the historic center. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

If you're traveling by car, plan to park outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) and walk in, since central Siena is largely pedestrian and enforcement is strict. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Piazza del Mercato

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Go early morning for a peaceful feel and clean photos, or around golden hour when the light softens the brick and stone.
  • How long to spend: 15–30 minutes is enough for a look and photos, but it fits nicely as a short stop on a longer walking loop.
  • Accessibility: The approach involves uneven paving and gentle-to-moderate slopes typical of Siena’s center; step-free routes can be limited.
  • Facilities: There are no dedicated facilities in the square itself, but you're minutes from cafés, restrooms in larger venues, and services around Piazza del Campo.

Where to Stay Close to the Piazza del Mercato

Base yourself in Siena's historic center near Piazza del Campo for the easiest walks to major sights, evening atmosphere, and the most convenient dining options.

Hotel Athena A strong pick for travelers who want historic-center convenience with the bonus of panoramic terrace views and a calmer feel than the busiest streets.

Grand Hotel Continental Siena – Starhotels Collezione Ideal if you want a classic, high-end Siena stay in a palazzo setting, with an address that makes it easy to walk everywhere.

Hotel Chiusarelli A practical mid-range option close to the center, often chosen for its straightforward comfort and good access on foot to Il Campo and beyond.

Palazzo Ravizza A characterful stay with a traditional Siena vibe, great if you like historic interiors and a slightly tucked-away location that still walks well.

Hotel Minerva Convenient for arrivals and departures thanks to its position near transit links, while still being walkable to the old town for sightseeing days.

Is the Piazza del Mercato Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you're already visiting Piazza del Campo and want to see a side of Siena that feels less staged and more everyday. It's not a “big-ticket” attraction, but it adds texture to your visit: a sense of how the city worked, traded, and moved beyond the postcard-perfect main square.

Honest Pivot: If your time is extremely limited and you’re focused only on Siena’s headline sights (Duomo complex, Il Campo, Torre views), you can skip it without missing a must-see interior or one-of-a-kind artwork. But if you enjoy urban details, quieter corners, and short scenic detours, it’s an easy win.

For Different Travelers

Piazza del Mercato is a flexible stop: it can be a quick photo break, a calm reset between crowded landmarks, or a small “context” moment that makes Siena's layout click.

Families with Kids

For families, it works best as a short leg-stretching stop while walking between Piazza del Campo and other sights. The open space can feel like a breather compared with tighter medieval lanes.

Keep expectations simple: there’s no dedicated kids’ attraction here, but it’s a good place to point out the idea of old market squares and how cities were organized.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will appreciate the quieter mood compared with Il Campo, especially in the morning or near sunset. It’s a nice place for unhurried photos without feeling rushed by crowds.

Pair it with a slow wander through the back streets around the Palazzo Pubblico, then continue to a wine bar or dinner nearby for an easy, romantic Siena evening.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers get a lot of value here because it's a memorable slice of Siena with no ticket required. It also fits perfectly into a self-guided walking route that hits major landmarks without paid entry.

Use it as a “free highlight” between bigger paid experiences, and time it for good light so your photos feel like a premium souvenir.

History Buffs

History lovers will enjoy reading the square as an urban artifact: its position behind the civic palace, the market canopy structure, and the way the space opens toward the valley. It’s a small but telling piece of Siena’s civic and commercial story.

To deepen the context, visit it right after seeing Piazza del Campo and the Palazzo Pubblico area, so you can compare the ceremonial front of power with the working back-of-house city.

FAQs for Visiting Piazza del Mercato

Getting There

Yes, it’s immediately behind Piazza del Campo, reached in just a few minutes on foot. It’s one of the easiest “bonus” squares to add to a central Siena walk.
Yes, but expect an uphill approach into the historic center. Many visitors take a bus or taxi partway, then walk the final stretch.
Yes, it fits naturally into routes that include Piazza del Campo, the Palazzo Pubblico area, and nearby lanes. It’s best treated as a short stop rather than a standalone destination.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s a public square and you can walk in freely. Any costs you encounter nearby would be for museums, towers, or events rather than the piazza itself.
Sometimes the space can be used for local events, which may have their own rules. If you see barriers or signage, check details on-site.
The square itself has no ticketing, so there’s nothing to bundle. Consider planning your paid entries around nearby museums or viewpoints instead.

Visiting Experience

It’s typically calmer than Piazza del Campo, especially in the morning. Midday can still be busy during peak season, but it rarely feels as packed as Siena’s main square.
It’s a quick way to see a quieter, more local-feeling side of Siena right next to the city’s most famous landmark. The market canopy structure and the open space make it visually distinctive.
Yes if you’re already at Piazza del Campo, because it’s so close and takes little time. If you’re rushing between major ticketed sights, it can be a very quick pass-through.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Many walking tours pass nearby because it’s directly behind the Palazzo Pubblico. If it matters to you, ask your guide at the start whether the route includes it.
Walk Piazza del Campo, loop behind to Piazza del Mercato, then continue through the historic lanes toward the Duomo area. This creates a satisfying “core Siena” circuit without backtracking too much.
It’s best as a short interlude between bigger sights. Many travelers enjoy it most after seeing the bustle of Il Campo, because the contrast is the point.

Photography

Try wide shots that include the brick-pillared canopy and the rear façade of the Palazzo Pubblico. A lower angle can emphasize the repeating columns and lines.
Early morning and late afternoon tend to be most flattering for Siena’s warm tones. Midday light can be harsher and flatten the textures.
In a public square, tripods are generally fine if you’re not blocking movement. If there’s an event setup or crowding, be considerate and keep your footprint small.

Accessibility & Facilities

You can usually find spots to pause, but seating isn’t guaranteed in the way it is in some formal plazas. Plan short breaks at nearby cafés if you need reliable seating.
Parts may be challenging due to uneven paving and slopes. If accessibility is a priority, consider mapping a route that avoids steep lanes and steps.
Not typically in the square itself. Use facilities in nearby venues or cafés around Piazza del Campo.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, you’re only a few minutes from the dense cluster of cafés and restaurants around Piazza del Campo. It’s easy to pair the visit with a coffee stop.
It can be, especially if you’re keeping it simple and tidy. Choose a spot that doesn’t block pathways and be mindful of local norms.
The streets radiating from Piazza del Campo offer plenty of options at different budgets. Booking ahead is smart in peak season.

Safety & Timing

Central Siena is generally calm, and this square can feel quiet after dark. Use normal city awareness, especially if streets are empty late at night.
Yes, stone paving can be slick when wet. Wear shoes with grip and take your time on sloped sections.
Festival periods can change crowd patterns and access routes. If you want a peaceful visit, aim for mornings; if you want atmosphere, go when the center is lively.

Nearby Attractions to the Piazza del Mercato

The Piazza del Mercato appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Siena!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: Piazza del Mercato, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
Siena: 0 km

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