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The Palio. (Photo by Janus Kinase)
The Palio is one of Europe's most famous medieval contests and festivals, a bareback breakneck horse race around the central Piazza del Campo, which is packed with dirt—and thronged with spectators—for the occasion.
The race pits Siena's 17 traditional contrade (neighborhoods) against one another—though the jockeys are ringers brought in from the Maremma, Sardegna, or abroad.
The race itself only lasts about 90 seconds, but the pageantry and preparations before it go on for days.
The Palio is actually run twice each summer: on July 2 and August 16.
If you arrive early enough in the day, you can stake out a free spot to stand in the center of the piazza—but then you have to stand there, all day, in the heat, with no port-a-potty available. Also, most of what you will see is the back of other people's heads.
This is one occassion in which it is wise to pony up the considerable cash to buy a seat in the grandstands (palco) or, even better, on a balcony.
All seats are sold by the various private entities that own the buildings ringing the piazza, and it used to be a bit difficult to track down tickets, which start around $600.
Now, however, you can Reserve seats directly from our partners Select Italy, which makes things a whole lot easier (though sadly, not any cheaper). They even offer three-night packages:
The Palio occurs just twice each summer, on July 2nd and August 16th, and the pure excitement of this festival that has survived almost intact from the Middle Ages is unequaled in Italy. Share in the excitement by booking a reserved seat in the beautiful, shell-shaped Campo and choose just how close to the action you wish to be. You'll have a great view of the historical parade in which the costumed members of the 17 medieval contrade, or city wards, parade through the piazza along with their assigned horse and the sbandieratori (flag throwers) who launch their colorful banners into the air. Then, at the stroke of 7 p.m., the ten chosen horses line up at the starting line and the race begins -- three laps around the piazza; don't blink or you might miss it because this thrilling, bareback race lasts only 90 seconds! ...
The Palio occurs just twice each summer, on July 2nd and August 16th, and the pure excitement of this festival that has survived almost intact from the Middle Ages is unequaled in Italy.
The Palio is not just a medieval horse race, it's a festival rich in tradition that is televised live on national TV. For the citizens of Siena, this event is all about neighborhood pride and rivalry; the Palio is also the continuation of a medieval tradition associated with religion and honor.
The night before the race, you'll bask in the undeniable atmosphere of excitement by attending the exclusive, invitation-only contrada dinner. Here you'll sit with the locals and enjoy enormous bowls of pasta and exquisite wine.
On race day you have reserved tickets to watch the event from one of the many balconies or in the grandstand on the Piazza del Campo.
The package includes:
If you really want to see the Palio, do spend the money to book grandstand or balcony tickets. Yes, they start around $600. Yes, they are worth it. » book.
Walking tours & activities
Siena tourist information office
Piazza del Campo 56
tel. +39-0577-280-551
Terresiena.it
Also useful:
Museisenesi.org
Comune.siena.it
Sienaonline.it (private)
Sienafree.it (private)
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This article was written by Reid Bramblett and was last updated in January 2013.
All information was accurate at the time.
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