Il Palio di Siena

When: Annual races on 2 July and 16 August each year, with the main events concentrated on those two days.

Where: Siena, Italy - the race runs in the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo with parades across the historic centre.

Cost: Free to watch from street level in the square; paid grandstand seating and private boxes are limited and costly.

Don’t miss: The Corteo Storico civic procession before each race, the flag-throwers and the explosive final laps through the crowded piazza.

Siena, Italy’s Palio is both a horse race and a living medieval ceremony fought between the city’s contrade (neighbourhood wards). Its roots date back centuries; the modern Palio evolved from civic pageants and local rivalries, formalised into the two annual races still held today.

The event centers on Piazza del Campo where the square is sanded and surrounded by temporary barriers. In the days around each Palio there are horse trials, parades in historical costume, blessing ceremonies and intense, noisy support from contrada members - the atmosphere is tribal, proud and often fiercely partisan.

Siena, Italy holds the Palio twice a year: the Palio di Provenzano on 2 July and the Palio dell’Assunta on 16 August (tied to the Feast of the Assumption). The dates are fixed; build-up begins days earlier with trials and rehearsals, the Corteo Storico procession usually precedes the race, and the race itself is a short, dramatic sprint that decides the winner.

Expect the piazza to be busiest on the race day and the evening before; many contrade celebrate long into the night after a win.

Siena, Italy is best reached via Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci, FLR) about 1 - 1.5 hours away by shuttle or car; Pisa (PSA) and Rome (FCO) are alternatives with more international flights. From the city centre the festival is in Piazza del Campo; arrive at least a day early, book accommodation and any grandstand or hospitality in advance, and allow extra travel time on race days.

• Book accommodation and any paid seating months ahead: hotels in Siena sell out early for the July and August Palios.
• Arrive at Piazza del Campo well before the procession if you want a free vantage point; the square fills quickly and barriers are enforced.
• Respect contrada traditions and boundaries: do not cross into cordoned areas, follow stewards’ instructions and avoid photographing private celebrations without permission.
• Expect heat in July and August: bring water, sun protection and a small fan; streets can be crowded and slow to move.
• Keep a safe distance from the barriers during the race - the event is exciting but horses and riders can fall; secure valuables and be mindful of pickpockets.
• If you want a guaranteed seat or hospitality, buy through official sources or well-reviewed local agents and confirm collection details well before race day.