Palio of Siena

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Boasting centuries-old origins, the Palio di Siena is the most famous historical horse race in Italy. It takes place twice a year in the splendid setting of Piazza del Campo, the main medieval square of Siena: on July 2nd and August 16th.

The Palio is a tradition that lasts a total of four days, from the morning of June 29 until the races of July 2 (Palio della Madonna di Provenzano) and, again, from August 13 to 16 for the Palio dell’Assunta.

The race consists of three laps of Piazza del Campo, on a track made of a mixture of sand and tuff. The starting point is the Mossa, formed by two ropes in which the 10 participating horses and jockeys must wait in order. The horse, with or without jockey, who completes the three laps first wins.

Since 1633, the year in which the first Palio was managed, the event has been for centuries a competition between the districts of the city of Siena, called “contrade”. But more than a race, it is a passion for the Sienese and part of their lives, in fact every person in the city belongs to a Contrada and participates all year round in the organization of the event. Each district, in fact, has its own coat of arms and patron saints.

The Palio prize is the so-called Drappellone, a large painted silk canvas designed and created every year by a different artist.