Overview
Just like every year, the two Palio return to Siena: 2 July in honour of Our Lady of Provenzano and 16 August in honour of Our Lady of the Assumption into heaven
The Palio is one of the most famous events in Italy and worldwide, but it is not organised for tourism: it is part of Sienese life in time and in its various facets and emotions.
It carries the magic of a thousand-year-old tradition with rituals and vibes that have been preserved by the citizens for hundreds of years.
It has remote origins with ancient regulations still used today that date back to the first Palio alla Tonda horse race in August 1633, which has remained the same for centuries. During the Palio, 10 of the 17 neighbourhoods compete in a thrilling horse race in the renowned Piazza del Campo or 'Il Campo'.
The summer of 2022 was particularly significant not only for Siena but for the entire world, because it marked the Palio’s return after two years on hold for pandemic; the Palio had only ever been suspended during the 20th-century wars.
The historical procession before the race commemorating the splendour of the Republic of Siena features the 17 neighbourhoods, representatives of the municipality and the Carraccio, a triumphal cart carrying the Drappellone flag and the banzana banner.
You can watch the Palio (and the rehearsals on the three days prior) free of charge from inside Piazza del Campo, but you must go in before the entrances are closed.
A more convenient option that comes at a price is to watch it from the boxes surrounding the square or looking out of the windows or balconies of the buildings.
As there is no centralised ticket office, you must contact the managers of the individual boxes (palcaioli) or the owners of the flats facing the Piazza.
For event information and ticket costs, visit the official website Info | Municipality of Siena
You can watch the Palio (and the rehearsals on the three days prior) free of charge from inside Piazza del Campo, but you must go in before the entrances are closed.
A more convenient option that comes at a price is to watch it from the boxes surrounding the square or looking out of the windows or balconies of the buildings.
As there is no centralised ticket office, you must contact the managers of the individual boxes (palcaioli) or the owners of the flats facing the Piazza.
For event information and ticket costs, visit the official website Info | Municipality of Siena
53100 Siena, Province of Siena, Italy
