Siena is the Palio, and the Palio is Siena
But what is the “Palio”? Well first of all the word “Palio” is actually referred to a piece of fabric that was given as prize for winning the race. Today “Palio” is name the flag, or banner, still a piece of fabric, that is giving to the winner of the race, usually decorated by a different artist every year. But the Palio is not just a piece of textile. Is a horse race, 90’s of terror, held twice a year in Piazza del Campo. Ten horses, ten rides, bareback, representing the contrade. The Palio is the core of Siena, it is the heart and the soul of the city and of the “contrade”.
Because Siena is not just a city, there are seventeen “contrade” or city wards in Siena. And before being born in the city, you are born in a contrada. If you want to discover all about the Palio, its origins, history, rules and traditions this is the tour for you. A journey that will give you the possibility to live and feel like you were born in a contrada.
We will visit the local church, the headquarter, the fountain where you have to be baptized in order to be recognize as a “contradaiolo”, the local museum, see how many Palios were won, the original costumes for the pageant… a deep journey is the oldest tradition of Siena.
What you will visit
Upon special request, visit the secured stable used right before the race, a sacred space for the contradaioli.Upon special request a Contrada will open to us their deepest core:
Local Church
Visit the church associated with a contrada, a place of deep spiritual and historical significance.
Contrada Headquarters
Explore the heart of the contrada, where members gather to organize events and celebrate their victories.
The Fountain
Learn about the symbolic baptismal fountain, where members are baptized to officially belong to the contrada.
Private Museum
Discover the contrada’s private collection of historical artifacts, including banners, costumes from the pageant, and records of past victories, where the whole history and traditions are kept to teach and inspire future generations.