The Siena Palio – July – Siena

On July 2nd. A horse eventful race between the ancient districts of the town.

The Siena Palio the ancient horserace so famous around the world, takes place twice a year, in July and August.

On July 2nd, the Palio is dedicated to the Madonna of Provenzano, patron saint of the city of Siena, represented with a terracotta bust covered with a silver sheet and precious stones, and kept in Siena in the church of Santa Maria di Provenzano.

The whole competition involves the 17 Contrade (Districts) of the city that were established in 1729 by the Violante of Bavaria, Governor of the City.  It

In July only 10 Contrade out of 17 run the race: 7 of them didn’t run in the previous Palio and 3 of them are drawn among those that participated in the race The drawing takes place on the last Sunday of May.
The same thing happens in August Palio, and the drawing occurs on the first Sunday after the Palio in July.

Over 600 participants take part in the “Historic Walk” which takes place before the Palio. They represent the 17 Contradas and institutions of the ancient Republic of Siena. The parade starts in Piazza del Duomo in the early afternoon and walks in the city center before arriving in Piazza del Campo where the race will take place.

The race of the Siena Palio consists in riding bareback (without saddle) three times on horseback around the Piazza del Campo,

To attend the Siena Palio for free (and the trials on the three previous days) it is mandatory to enter Piazza del Campo early before the entrances are closed.
More comfortably, but for a fee, it is possible to attend by sitting on the boxes surrounding the square from the windows or balconies of the buildings.
As there is no centralized ticket office, it is not easy and not cheap to find the tickets as they are managed by the individual boxes (palcaioli) or by the owners of the apartments overlooking the square.

The Siena Palio takes place also on August 16th >>>

For updates see the Facebook page of the Siena Palio >>>

ARE YOU IN SIENA?
Tuscany is a region full of events and places to see. Find out some >>>
And take the opportunity to taste its traditional food >>> and try its excellent wines >>>

credits photo: Rebel1965