Beginning in September and lasting throughout May of next year the city of Siena is celebrating the 700th anniversary of its constitution. In honor of the creation of the Republic of Siena in 1309 the city is holding various concerts, exhibits, conferences, and activities, most of which highlight its rich medieval history. One of those activities took place today: a market in the Piazza del Campo. The Campo is the main piazza in Siena, the location of the beautiful Palazzo Pubblico which houses the city's government, and is also the location of the Palio races. (It was also apparently featured in the most recent James Bond movie -Quantum of Solace I think- which I haven't seen yet!) Historically the Campo was also the main marketplace of the city, but it has been quite a long time since they have held markets there. However, just for today there was once again a market in the Campo. It was mostly food stalls (including wine, olive oil, honey, meat, cheese, and produce) as well as stands with linen and wool products, and other goods produced by local artisans. There was some beautiful jewelry and porcelain work, but it was a little out of my price range! I spent the morning working in the archives until they closed at 1:30pm and then I headed out with one of my friends to visit the market. It was so fun to wander around and there were so many people! It was a chilly and overcast day but with all the people milling around and the yummy smells of the food there was a really nice atmosphere. I remembered as I was getting ready to head home that I had my camera with me so I quickly took a few shots. They aren't very good, but they at least give you a sense of what it was like. It was a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

A view of the market!

The bell tower of the Palazzo Pubblico keeping watch over the market below.
(Blue sky managed to peek through for a few minutes here and there!)

Sausage - yum!

I loved these pretty paper lamps and laterns!