Palio of Siena
A tradition since the 14th century, for the people of Siena the Palio horse-race is a matter of life and death. Ten bareback riders clash in a frenzied 90-second dash around the huge Piazza del Campo.
Thousands of spectators cram into the square from early morning. Arrive very early or miss out - this is the biggest event of the year and space is limited. A medieval pageant of waving silk flags, rattling drums and passionate song heralds the race and ecstatic celebrations greet the award of the coveted banner, decorated with an image of the Virgin Mary, which is presented to the winning horse.
Daring, bravado, lunacy, bribery, poisoning and death-threats have all played their parts in the event since its inauguration in 1310. For the locals, it is the culmination of an entire year's plotting and scheming, and for visitors it is an unforgettable show.
Competitors are drawn from the 17 contrade (districts) of the city. To come first crowns you in glory. For the runner-up, ignominy and shame produce phenomenal rivalries with the winning contrada which can rumble along for years, creating tensions only assuaged when the vanquished win again (or more satisfying, if their rivals lose!).
In the evening, wandering the various contradas is fascinating. Those who have lost watch the race over and over in their community centres, while the entire population of the winning contrada flocks to the local church amid scenes of jubilation, where the palio is given pride of place behind the altar. Sounds crazy? It is. Don't miss it.
Related Information
Website: Palio of Siena Website
| Contact Details | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Siena Tourist Office |
| Email: | aptsiena@siena.turismo.toscana.it |
| Fax: | +39 0577 27 06 76 |
| Phone: | +39 0577 28 05 51 |
| Address: | Piazza del Campo 56 |
| Venue Information: | Piazza del Campo |
| Full Name: | Piazza del Campo,Siena,Italy |
| Address: | Piazza del Campo, Siena, Tuscany, Italy |
| Directions: | There are buses and trains to Siena from Florence, about 50km (30 miles)away. The square is right in the centre of Siena. |
| Other Dates | 16 Aug 2010 (various dates) |
| Contact Details | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Siena Tourist Office |
| Email: | aptsiena@siena.turismo.toscana.it |
| Fax: | +39 0577 27 06 76 |
| Phone: | +39 0577 28 05 51 |
| Address: | Piazza del Campo 56 |
| Name: | APT Siena |
| Location: | Siena |
| Address: | Piazza del Campo 56, 53100, Siena, Italy |
| Email: | infoaptsiena@terresiena.it |
| Phone: | +39 0577 280551 |
| Fax: | +39 0577281041 |
| Name: | |
| Location: | Italy |
| Name: | |
| Location: | Italy |
| Name: | |
| Location: | Italy |
| Name: | Italian Tourist Board |
| Location: | Italy |
| Address: | Via Marghera 2/6, 00185 Rome, Italy |
| Email: | sedecentrale@enit.it |
| Phone: | +39 06 49711 |
| Fax: | +39 4463379/4469907 |
