Over the course of four days twice each summer, the city of Siena comes alive with an intensity of colour, excitement and history, culminating in the iconic Palio horse race. Taking over the main Campo in Siena, the festival is hugely important to the local Sienese, just as much as it is a fantastic spectacle for international visitors.
The usually serene centre of Siena is a riot of flags, pageantry, eating, drinking, processing and horse racing as determined jockeys battle it out to be crowned the winning contrada. If you are staying in one of our luxury villas in Tuscany this summer, we’ll answer all your questions about the Palio di Siena below.
When is the Palio di Siena?
The Palio is a biannual event, which takes place on 2 July and 16 August each year. In the three or so days before the race, locals and visitors gather for la tratta. This is when the participating horses are selected, the warm-up trials take place and celebrations and excitement begin to build.
Where does the horse race take place?
The Palio takes place in the Piazza del Campo in Siena, the city’s expansive central square. But in the lead up to the event, the festivities spill out beyond the Campo with parades, feasts and celebrations brimming over in each district of the city.
What is happening in Siena when?
To fully experience the July or August Palio, you should aim to be in Siena at least three days ahead of the main race. Our luxury villas near Siena are the perfect base for easy access to and from the city centre and our complimentary concierge can arrange transport for you, to take any stress out of navigating this busy time of year.
You could also opt to have a local Sienese family lead you on a behind-the-scenes tour, which is just one of the bespoke luxury experiences in Tuscany we can arrange.
On 29 June/ 13 August, the assignment of the horses will take place. Each horse that will compete in the Palio is selected and given by lottery to the Contrade (Sienese districts). The first trial race also takes part, with all 10 contrade taking part in three full laps of the Piazza del Campo, just like the real palio race!
On 30 June/14 August, two more trial races take place during the day — one in the morning and one in the evening — as locals from each Contrada turn out to sign and cheer their horse to the Campo and back again.
On 1 July/15 August, the day before the Palio, join the locals for two more trials in the Piazza del Campo! Come evening, there is a historical parade and the Palio banner is blessed by the Archbishop of Siena.
Following the blessing the Prova Generale (“Grand Rehearsal”) takes place, the most important of all the trials. This is when the Contrade decides which jockey will represent them.
On the eve of the Palio the piazze and streets of Siena turn out for the Cena della Prova Generale, a grand street dinner party, where rows of tables and chairs cover the cobblestones and people gather to celebrate over food and wine!
When does the Palio start?
In the early afternoon in the church of each competing contrada, the most important ritual of the day takes place, the blessing of the horse. Then, the Corteo Storico — hundreds of men parading in historic costumes, with drums, flags and bells — parade from the Duomo to the Piazza del Campo.
In July the Palio starts at around 7.30pm, while the August race begins around 7.00pm. If you are planning to view the race from the square for free, you should arrive at least an hour and a half before the race starts. Alternatively, you can buy tickets to sit and watch from the balconies and windows that line the square.
What are the Contrade?
The contrade are the different districts of Siena whose representatives race bareback on horses in the Palio each year. There are 17 contrade in Siena, but only 10 are able to compete as only 10 horses can fit in the Piazza del Campo. It is a complete lottery determining which of the contrade get to compete each year. The seven contrade who are not selected for the July Palio are guaranteed to race the following July, and the same goes for the August event.
What is the best way to experience the Palio di Siena?
The best way to get the most out of this iconic event is to find a Sienese local to share in the festivities. The L’Altana di Tiberio Palio experience is run by local Sienese couple Paola and Vittoria and will reveal the hidden layers of Siena off the beaten path and immerse you in the rich traditions, history, and passion behind the famous Palio horse race.
Experience the warm hospitality of Paola and Vittorio as they welcome you into their historic palazzo with a peaceful rooftop garden and breathtaking views of the Siena Duomo. Located just a stone's throw away from Il Campo, this ancestral home has been in Vittorio's family for generations.
Paola and Vittorio invite you to explore the city in a unique way with a guided tour, including exclusive access to contrade headquarters, museums, and churches.As part of this bespoke luxury experience, enjoy a buffet lunch with 360° views of the Siena from their idyllic rooftop studio. You can also opt for a formal dinner to unwind after the thrill of the horse racing. Choose from a 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, or a comprehensive 4-day immersive experience to truly absorb the local culture and traditions of Siena.