Siena

Legend has it that Siena was founded by Senio, the son of Remus. The city features several mythical sculptures of Romulus and Remus being nursed by a she-wolf. Piazza del Campo has existed since the Roman era, when it served as a forum. The square is surrounded by the red Town Hall and the tower known as Torre del Mangia. Similar to Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, the building on Piazza del Campo currently houses municipal offices. Through the courtyard of the palace, you can access the museum and the Torre del Mangia, which offers a magnificent view of the city.

In the civic museum, you can view the most refined paintings from the Sienese school. The Consistory contains the finest works of Domenico Beccafumi, whose frescoes depict public virtue on the ceiling. In the Mappamondo Hall and the Hall of Peace (or Sala dei Nove), you can see great masterpieces, including a portrait of Guidoriccio da Fogliano, the Siege of Montemassi by Simone Martini, and the Allegory of Good and Bad by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, considered one of the most important paintings from the Middle Ages.

The Palio, or "Il Palio", is a horse race that has been an integral part of Siena's life since 1287. It is held twice a year on July 2nd (Palio di Provenzano) and August 16th (Palio dell’Assunta). The race takes place between the different Contrade, the 17 different districts of the city, and participants from these districts also handle the overall organization of the race.
The Palio is passionately embraced by the people of Siena, and you'll undoubtedly sense this when you have the chance to attend it.

Thhis complex event has evolved over its history with new rules and practices that are well-known within the Contrade. Below are some rules and practices that are important to understand if you want to better appreciate this event.

The race takes place in the city's main square, Piazza del Campo. This shell-shaped square features sharp turns, and the entire race track is made of hard tuffstone sand. Each edition of the Palio accommodates only 10 participants. Seven participants are guaranteed a spot since they didn't participate in the previous edition. The remaining three participants from the Contrade are chosen by lottery.

The Palio is a unique tradition and a perfect opportunity to experience the warmth and passion of the city of Siena. If you're in Siena during the Palio, it's a fantastic chance to witness this event. The Palio is an addictive festival. You can watch the race for free from Piazza del Campo. You should arrive by 4:30 PM at the latest if you want a good spot to view the race; arriving in the morning secures a better spot. While you can buy drinks on the square to stay cool, there are no public toilets available. We recommend protecting yourself from the sun and heat with hats and staying hydrated.