From December 6 to 8, the Mercato nel Campo transforms Siena’s Piazza del Campo into a must-visit event blending history, culture, and the flavors of Tuscany. Perfect for all ages, this unique market recreates the medieval “mercato grande,” showcasing the rich gastronomic and artisanal traditions of the region, along with free cultural activities. Below, find all the details and schedules to plan your visit.
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A Market Like No Other in Siena
Steeped in history, the Mercato nel Campo is tied to the Costituto Senese, the first European constitution written in the vernacular, adopted in 1309. The event brings back the atmosphere of the original mercato grande with 130 exhibitors split between food and artisanal sections, offering the best of local and national traditions.
Still haven’t booked your accommodation? Check out our recommendations for hotels in Siena.
In the food section, visitors can indulge in regional delights such as cured meats, pecorino cheese, artisan bread, truffles, saffron, chocolate, honey, jams, liqueurs, and spirits. Siena’s famous sweets, including panforte and ricciarelli IGP, are among the highlights, alongside small, family-run producers offering authentic, homemade specialties. For a culinary journey across Italy, you’ll also find treasures like Altamura bread, campana mozzarella, and Norcia cured meats.
The artisan area features textiles, wool products, Christmas items, ceramics, natural cosmetics, leather goods, hats, gloves, books, handmade soaps, wooden crafts, and jewelry. Each piece reflects the mastery of Italian craftsmanship, making them perfect gifts or keepsakes.
To get a better idea of what to expect, check out the video from one of the past editions:
Beyond Shopping: Cultural Experiences
Mercato nel Campo isn’t just about shopping; it’s also a cultural hub with workshops, children’s activities, and sensory experiences. Highlights include:
- Ortolandia, a free workshop for kids exploring sustainable food practices.
- Guided tours at the State Archive, where you can uncover Siena’s sweet traditions and even experience a unique sensory journey tied to the city’s historical essence.
- Book launches, fumetti (comic book) workshops, and artisan demonstrations where you can learn traditional techniques firsthand.
The market also supports solidarity initiatives, including the sale of charity panettone by Siena’s Disability Consultation Committee, and offers a Digital Facilitation Point, a free municipal service promoting digital inclusion.
Mercato nel Campo Full Schedule
Dates: Friday, December 6, to Sunday, December 8, 2024.
Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Location: Piazza del Campo, Siena.
Friday, December 6
- 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM: Opening of food and artisan stalls.
- 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Ortolandia – The Garden Workshop
A fun, free activity for kids to learn about sustainable food and biodiversity.
Tip: Bring an empty egg carton! - 5:00 PM: Il Trenino arriva in città
Book presentation with coloring activities for kids at the Cortile del Podestà. - 6:00 PM: Archivio a Parfum
A sensory journey at the State Archive exploring Siena’s history through scents.
Reservations required: Email as-si.comunicazione@cultura.gov.it. - 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Exhibition at the State Archive
A showcase of Siena’s sweet traditions, with guided tours at 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
Free admission (limited to 15 people per group). Advance reservations recommended.
Saturday, December 7
- 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM: Full day of market activities.
- 12:00 PM: The History and Flavors of Siena’s Sweets
Workshop on Siena’s Ricciarelli and Panforte IGP in the gazebo under the Palazzo Pubblico. - 5:00 PM: Creazioni Preziose – How a Jewel is Made
Learn about the art of jewelry making in a workshop hosted by Il Galeone. - 6:00 PM: Tosca e il Dottor Lupo
Launch of a digital noir comic exploring Siena’s mysteries.
Sunday, December 8
- 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM: Final day of the market.
- 11:30 AM: Fumetti Workshop for Kids
Interactive comic book workshop with the Siena School of Comics. - 3:30 PM: The Sweet Path of Siena’s IGP Sweets
Discover the stories and flavors behind Ricciarelli and Panforte IGP in a tasting session.
Plan Your Visit to Mercato nel Campo
The Mercato nel Campo is organized by the Municipality of Siena in collaboration with local associations like Coldiretti, Confcommercio, and Vetrina Toscana. This is a unique event among Italian Christmas markets, offering an authentic experience in one of the most beautiful squares in the world.
Entry to the market is free, though some workshops require prior registration (such as the State Archive tours). For more information, visit the official website: mercatonelcampo.it.
Getting there: For those traveling from Florence, I recommend reading our article on How to Get from Florence to Siena.
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