Arnolfo di Cambio Square
Arnolfo di Cambio is the main square of the lower part of Colle di Val d’Elsa and one of the most frequently used meeting points for both residents and visitors. Its origins date back to the second half of the nineteenth century, when the Municipality identified the “Pian dei Canali” as the most suitable area to host the town’s market and fairs. To create the square, parts of the old city walls and the ancient Church of San Jacopo were removed, allowing the construction of the buildings that now define its perimeter. Since its creation, the square has been intended as a hub for social life and services, and it still serves as a key point of access for anyone arriving in the lower part of Colle.
Over time, Arnolfo di Cambio square has undergone several transformations, adapting to the needs of the town. At the end of the nineteenth century the railway station—now home to a pharmacy—was built, serving as the terminus of the Poggibonsi–Colle di Val d’Elsa line. In the 1920s, the war memorial dedicated to the fallen of the First World War was erected. More recently, the square has been the focus of a major redevelopment project coordinated by architect Jean Nouvel and a group of artists. This project introduced a marble paving pattern of squares and radiating lines, new urban furnishings and updated lighting for the porticoes. A new artistic feature, the “Persiana di Cristallo”, has also been installed, referencing the local tradition of glassmaking. Together, these interventions give the square a modern appearance while preserving its historical role.
Today, Arnolfo di Cambio square is a spacious and well-organised area used for events, the Friday weekly market, and as a reference point for the main services and shops located in the lower part of the town. Here you will find the Tourist Office, the Pro Loco association and the bus stop, while the nearby pedestrian routes allow easy access to Colle Alta via the “Olmi” ascent (Via Garibaldi–Via Matteotti) or the “Costa” ascent (Via del Pozzo Tondo / Via San Sebastiano. The square is also a practical point for orientation, as it connects the main streets and provides access to different parts of the town. Its regular layout, the presence of porticoes and its central position make it one of the most recognisable and frequently used spaces, both for local residents and for those visiting Colle for the first time.
Arnolfo di Cambio Square
53034 Colle di Val d’Elsa (Siena)
Toscana – Italy