Aug 16, Il Palio - Sienna

Il Palio in Sienna

The well known Palio horse race has taken place every year since 1644 on July 2 and August 16. The palio is an horse racer in which the horse and rider represent one of the seventeen Contrade, or city wards. A magnificent pageant precedes the race, which attracts visitors and spectators from around the world. The team (horse and rider) is dressed in the colours and arms of the Contrade: Aquila (Eagle), Bruco (Caterpillar), Chiocciola (Snail), Civetta (Owl), Drago (Dragon), Giraffa (Giraffe), Istrice (Porcupine), Leocorno (Unicorn), Lupa (She-Wolf), Nicchio (Shell), Oca (Goose), Onda (Wave), Pantera (Panther), Selva (Forest), Tartuca (Tortoise), Torre (Tower) and Valdimontone (Ram).

Piazza del Campo - Sienna

The famous Piazza del Campo, a medieval square considered one of the most beautiful squares of the world, is the scenario for the race.

Palazzo Comunale e Torre del Mangia

You can know more and (almost) everything about the Palio of Sienna here