Special Event: Siena’s Palio Horse Race

The Palio is a famous horse race held twice a year in Piazza del Campo, in Siena. You will live all the drama and excitement of the four days of the Palio.

On the the Palio’s eve, the “Prova Generale”, the second-last trial, is followed by a festive dinner. The next day, the most exciting events start in the afternoon with the horses blessing.

After a magnificent parade in Renaissance costumes, three frenzied laps of the Piazza will decide the winner. The citizens of the winning Contrada then acclaim the horse and the jockey as heroes and will proudly celebrate all year long. Cheer along with all the locals as they go crazy cheering for their favorite horses.

You will visit the shell-shaped famous city center - Piazza del Campo, as the locals call it is an important spot for all of the civic and political life of Siena, as well as the location for celebrations.

Here you can see Fonte Gaia, a fountain decorated in marble by Jacopo della Quercia. The fountain is formed by wolves which represent the mother of Romulus and Remus, to celebrate the link to ancient Rome. The original sculpted panels are not on the square - they were removed for preservation purposes but you can now see them at Santa Maria della Scala, located in Piazza del Duomo.

Piazza del Campo is also where the famous Palio di Siena takes place, twice a year. Ten horses representing the main districts, race around the square for the famous Palio event that involves the whole city in days of celebration.

The Special Event: Siena’s Palio Horse Race is a tailor-made experience that will let you take home “the heart of Siena" that capture the true essence of the Palio.