The bareback horse race run in the Campo on 2 July and 16 August between ten of Siena's seventeen contrade (districts).
The Palio di Siena is a bareback horse race of three laps around the Campo, run by jockeys representing ten of Siena's seventeen contrade. The contrade are historic neighbourhood communities, each with its own colours, emblem, church and museum. The drawn ten (seven that missed the previous year plus three) race in the July and August Palios. The 2 July Palio honours the Madonna of Provenzano, a tradition going back to 1656, and the 16 August Palio honours the Assumption. Weeks of ritual precede each race, including the horse assignment by lottery, the blessing of the horse in the contrada church, the prove and a historical procession with flag-throwers. The winner takes the palio, a painted banner, and a horse can win even if its rider has fallen.
| Admission | Adult Free to stand in the central infield (arrive by early afternoon); paid seats on stands and balconies are sold privately and cost far more · Child Infield is free; children under 12 are discouraged because of the crowding |
|---|---|
| Hours | Race held on 2 July (Palio di Provenzano) and 16 August (Palio dell'Assunta) in the early evening; trial races (prove) on the preceding days, with the final trial on the morning and evening before the race |
| Typical visit | Full day (the race itself lasts about 75-90 seconds) |
| Best time | Race days or the prove (trials) for a quieter experience |
| Getting there | Sienese streets close; arrive early on foot from the car parks or the station |
| Address | Piazza del Campo, 53100 Siena SI, Italy |
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Location
Piazza del Campo, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
43.3182, 11.3311 View on map
Highlights
- Three laps of the Campo in about 90 seconds
- Historical corteo storico
- Contrada colours and traditions
- Blessing of the horses in the contrada churches
Tips for visiting
- Infield spots fill from around midday, and entry stops once the square is full
- Reserve accommodation months ahead and expect higher prices around the Palio
- The corteo storico (historical parade) takes place in the afternoon before the race
- Trials (prove) are free to watch and give a taste of the atmosphere
When to visit
Prove days for a lower-stress visit.
Accessibility
The infield is standing on uneven bricks for hours; accessible viewing is limited; contact the Siena tourist office well ahead.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the Palio held?
On 2 July and 16 August each year.
Can visitors watch for free?
Yes, from the central infield, but spaces fill from midday; seats on stands are paid.