The Palio of Siena

The Palio of Siena

The Palio is the most emblematic event of Siena, a spectacular horse race that is run on the Piazza del Campo. The Siena audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this passionate tradition, which opposes the contrade, the historic districts of the town.

The horse race of the contrade

Back on the main square, it is time to evoke the most emblematic and important event of Siena: its famous Palio. Much more than a horse race, the Palio is a centuries-old tradition that embodies the soul of the town. It is run twice a year, generally on 2 July and 16 August, on the Piazza del Campo, whose perimeter is transformed into a track. The race opposes the contrade, the historic districts of Siena, each with its colours, its animal emblem and its pride. Ten contrade, drawn by lot, confront one another at each edition: their jockeys, riding bareback, perform three frantic laps of the square in an indescribable fervour. The stake is not money but honour, and the winner takes the drappellone, a painted banner. Throughout the year, the contrade live to the rhythm of this passionate rivalry, which gathers the people of Siena around their traditions. A unique spectacle and the heart of the Sienese identity, the Palio is the living soul of Siena.

What to see

Here you discover the Palio, the most emblematic event of Siena, a centuries-old horse race run twice a year, generally on 2 July and 16 August, on the Piazza del Campo, opposing the contrade, the historic districts with their own colours and emblems, whose jockeys riding bareback perform three frantic laps for the honour and the drappellone. The Palio is the living soul of Siena. It is a rendezvous to be lived on the square.

Practical information

The Palio is run on the Piazza del Campo, in the heart of Siena, reachable on foot. It takes place twice a year, generally on 2 July and 16 August. Access to the square is free on race days, but the crowd is very large. It is best to inquire about the dates and the arrangements before coming.

What is the Palio of Siena?

The most emblematic event of Siena: a centuries-old horse race run twice a year, generally on 2 July and 16 August, on the Piazza del Campo, where the contrade, the historic districts, confront one another bareback in three frantic laps for the honour and the drappellone, a painted banner.

Where is the Palio of Siena run?

On the Piazza del Campo, in the heart of Siena, in Tuscany, in Italy.