Mercato nel Campo

The historic market in the heart of Siena

The Mercato nel Campo is one of the most anticipated events of the Sienese winter. Every year, around the Immaculate Conception holiday, Piazza del Campo transforms into a grand open-air market, evoking the commercial splendor of medieval Siena. The famous shell-shaped square, the monumental heart of the City of Siena and a UNESCO World Heritage site, hosts dozens of stalls arranged in a fan shape, recreating the atmosphere of 14th-century markets when the Republic of Siena was a bustling crossroads for merchants, artisans, and producers.

A re-enactment rooted in the 14th century

The event is inspired by the 'mercato grande' (great market) that animated the square as early as the beginning of the 14th century. It was a daily market for food and everyday goods that, on Saturdays, became the city's most important event, welcoming direct producers from the countryside, livestock merchants, and artisans specializing in leather, textiles, glass, ceramics, iron, and wood. During the 14th century, the 'Ufficio dell'Abbondanza' organized the square's layout by assigning distinct areas to different product categories—a layout that the Mercato nel Campo still reflects today.

Two main areas: taste and craftsmanship

The event is divided into two main sections. The first, dedicated to agrifood, showcases the best of Sienese and Tuscan gastronomic tradition: cured meats, pecorino, bread, saffron, truffles, honey, jams, chocolate, liqueurs, and spirits, as well as traditional sweets like PGI ricciarelli and PGI Tuscan cantucci. Specialties from other Italian and European regions are also featured. The second area, reserved for craftsmanship, offers Christmas decorations, textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and handmade goods.

• Short supply chain and certified products: A strong focus on local production and the excellence of the Sienese territory.
• Collateral cultural initiatives: Book presentations, workshops for children, and thematic meetings.
• Historical setting: The arrangement of the stalls recalls the medieval market.

A defining event for Siena and Tuscany

More than just a fair, the Mercato nel Campo is a celebration that unites commerce, culture, and tradition, highlighting the identity of Tuscany and the province of Siena. Promoted by trade, agricultural, and craft associations with the support of the Municipality of Siena, the event attracts thousands of visitors and residents every year who take advantage of the holidays to stroll through the stalls, do some Christmas shopping, and rediscover the authentic flavors of the Sienese land in one of the world's most beautiful squares.