Palio di Siena

The Palio di Siena is easily the most important event held in this Tuscan city each year. A sort of horse race, it brings to life the oldest medieval traditions in the territory. In Italian, the Palio is actually the banner or cloth the competitors race or fight to win. The Sienese race is called “Carriera” and is held twice a year, the first on the 2nd of July, in honour of the Madonna della Provenzano, and thus known as the “Palio di Provenzano“, and the second on 16th of August, to celebrate the Madonna dell’Assunta and thus known as the “Palio del’Assunta”.

Ten out of the 17 quarters in the city of Siena participate in the Palio. These quarters are chosen at random and vary in the July and August palios from year to year, ensuring that the seven quarters chosen each year are made up of the quarters that didn’t compete in the previous palio. The remaining three quarters are chosen at random, one month before the event. The quarters that aren’t chosen to compete still make an appearance during the procession through the old city centre.

The 17 quarters that fight for the precious Palio di Siena are:

-Nobile Contrada dell’Aquila (Noble Quarter of the Eagle)
-Nobile Contrada del Nicchio (Noble Quarter of the Shell)
-Nobile Contrada del Bruco (Noble Quarter of the Caterpillar)
-Nobile Contrada dell’Oca (Noble Quarter of the Duck)
-Contrada della Chiocciola (Quarter of the Snail)
-Contrada Capitana dell’Onda (Quarter of the Wave)
-Contrada Priora della Civetta (Priory Quarter of the Owl)
-Contrada della Pantera (Quarter of the Panther)
-Contrada del Drago (Quarter of the Dragon)
-Contrada della Selva (Quarter of the Selva)
-Imperiale Contrada della Giraffa (Imperial Quarter of the Giraffe)
-Contrada della Tartuca (Quarter of the Turtle)
-Contrada Sovrana dell’Istrice (Quarter of the Sovereign of Istrice)
-Contrada della Torre (Quarter of the Tower)
-Contrada del Leocorno (Quarter of the Unicorn)
-Contrada di Valmontone (Quarter of the Ram)
-Contrada della Lupa (Quarter of the Wolf)

The origins of the Palio di Siena stretch back to a very ancient period. According to legend, the Palio was founded as a way to remember and celebrate the Battle of Montaperti in 1260. But in reality, the most credible documents place the origins of this event in the 13th century, when the most important Italian cities began organising horse riding competitions and shows.

Truly the best time to visit the city, the two Palio di Siena allow tourists to not only explore this incredible location at its brightest, liveliest and most beautiful, but it’s also an opportunity to experience a tradition that is centuries’ old and the delicious local delicacies, dishes and treats that come along with it.