Useful information about the Palio di Siena and the Contrade

It is the horse race that the Contrade of Siena hold in Piazza del Campo twice a year. It is the city's identity festival, deeply rooted in the life of the Contrade throughout the year. To learn about the history of the Palio, we recommend reading the brochure "The Palio of Siena", which can be downloaded for free in the section of our website (“Plan your trip” > “Maps and digital brochures”).

On July 2nd (Palio di Provenzano) and August 16th (Palio dell’Assunta), in Piazza del Campo.

In the three days leading up to the event, six trials are held, usually one in the morning and one in the late afternoon, plus the "provaccia" on the morning of the Palio day. On the day of the race, the historical parade enters the Piazza in the late afternoon and the race takes place in the evening (approximately at 19:30 in July and at 19:00 in August). For more information on the days of the Palio, we recommend reading the brochure "Palio pocket guide," which can be downloaded for free in the section of our website (“Plan your trip” > “Maps and digital brochures”).

In Siena, there are seventeen districts, and ten of them participate in each Palio.

No, there is no official single calendar. Each Contrada publishes its own program (main festival, dinners, and other initiatives) on its own channels.

Each Contrada displays its own colors within its territory, marked by precise boundaries. The flags appear during the patron saint's feast, on Palio days, and during victories.

Yes. The most well-known souvenirs are the "barberi", the marbles painted with the colors of the Contrade, and they can be found in many shops in the city center. There are also non-original flags and handkerchiefs.

The museums of the Contrada are mostly visited by reservation, by directly contacting the Contrada; the entrance is usually by donation and the visits are conducted by contradaioli.

The dinners are organized by the Contrade for their own members. Participation by outsiders is only possible when the Contrada allows it, with prior reservation and, as a rule, through an invitation. It is necessary to contact the Contrade directly.

There is no centralized ticket office. You need to contact the managers of the individual stages (the “palcaioli”) at the following email palchi.paliodisiena@gmail.com or the owners of the apartments overlooking the Piazza. We specify that the Municipality and the IAT Office do not manage or publish an official list. The demand is very high: it is advisable to get in touch many months in advance.

No. Access to the center of the Piazza is free and open to everyone, both for the trials and the race. Stands, balconies, and windows, which are private properties, are paid.

Access is free and open, but limited. Minors under 10 years old are not allowed even if accompanied, as well as animals, strollers, and prams.

Large luggage, glass bottles, metal containers, chairs, stools, strollers, and prams are not permitted. It is recommended to bring a plastic water bottle (without a cap), hats, and closed shoes. Once the entrances are closed, you cannot leave until the end of the race.

The start (referred to as the “mossa”) takes place at the canapi, on the stretch of track near the Costarella dei Barbieri. Nine Contrade line up between the canapi and the tenth enters at full speed, marking the beginning of the race.

Three laps of the Square, lasting about 75-90 seconds.

In case of rain, to ensure the safety and well-being of the horses and people, the trials may be postponed or canceled by the Mayor upon the advice of the Head of the Municipal Technical Office and the Festival Deputies. A white flag is displayed from one of the triforas of Palazzo Pubblico in case of delay, or a green flag in case of cancellation. Regarding the Palio, the race may be postponed to the following days in case of continued adverse weather conditions. Again, the first official communication is made through the display of the green flag.

There are no restrooms inside the Square, and once the entrances are closed, it is not possible to leave and re-enter. The public restrooms in the city center have extended hours on the days of the Palio.

Most museums remain open with reduced hours. It is advisable to check the specific hours published on the official websites for each Palio.

The parade forms in the courtyard of the Prefecture Palace, in Piazza del Duomo, and reaches Piazza del Campo by crossing the streets of the city center (Via del Capitano, Piazza Postierla, Via San Pietro, Via del Casato di Sopra, and Via del Casato di Sotto where they meet other participants from the Municipality). Over six hundred participants take part. The parade is closed by the Carroccio with the Drappellone.

There are several main events related to the Palio. Among these, we mention:

• The drawing of lots for the Contrade (which complete the ten participants) a few weeks before the race
• The assignment of horses (the “tratta”) four days before the Palio
• The regulated trials (known as “night trials”) and the trials in the days leading up to the Palio
• The blessing of the jockey, the blessing of the horse in the Contrada, the historical parade, and the race on the day of the Palio

The race is broadcast live by LA7 and local stations and can be seen in many bars around the city. The trials are generally only covered by local broadcasters.

Following the two warnings, about three hours before the horses leave, the clearing of the track begins. The access from via Dupré is reopened after the entrance of the Historical Parade into the Square and until the Carroccio has arrived in front of the Stage of the Performers in front of Palazzo Pubblico. It is advisable to enter in the early afternoon.

There are mobile medical stations in the square with personnel from rescue associations, ready to intervene and assist the person.