A fully immersive “Palio di Siena” experience
The Siena Palio is a spectacular « equestrian festival» and probably the most famous horse race in the world. The horses representing the 10 neighbourhoods of the city, the ‘contrade’, race in the central square called the ‘Piazza del Campo’.
The Palio
Be overwhelmed by an atmosphere charged with passion that permeates the streets during the afternoon on the eve of the race. You can visit the Oratory Museum in the contrada where you are and take part in the open-air celebratory dinner during which you can savour traditional local dishes accompanied by abundant wine, in a joyful atmosphere filled with singing to spur the jockey to victory.
….and on the next day around5pm, in the Piazza del Campo on a stand at the ‘Curva del Casato’, you can watch the arrival of the historical pageant of over 600 people accompanied by the constant tolling of the large bell in the Torre del Mangia of the Palazzo Pubblico.
….at around 7pm the detonation of an explosive charge will signal the arrival of the horses and their jockeys that approach the ‘mossa’ (the start)…….silence descends on the large crowded square ….a surreal atmosphere …… the tension is very high and palpable …..the starter calls the contrade one by one and then, at last, ………the race begins!
…the square goes crazy, the race can at times become violent….a special charge of adrenaline….a unique and special experience that is rarely possible for someone who does not live in Siena.
