Palio di Siena: A Crazy Horse Race in Italy

Tips for enjoying the Palio as a traveller in Tuscany

For two days a year, the Palio di Siena, or Il Palio, takes over Siena with a crazy horse race. Dating back to 1644, it's one of the most celebrated sporting occasions in Italy. Movie fans can even see the Palio in the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.

Visitors arriving in the city will get caught up in the passion the Sienese people have for this event. Palio is much more than just a horse race.

It’s important to understand that the Palio is not a fake event created to entertain tourists. The Sienese take the Palio very seriously and you’ll be guaranteed a crazy atmosphere matched only by Serie A football matches.

What is the Palio?

Image by Janus Kinase (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Lasting only 75 seconds, ten of the city’s seventeen contrade (districts) are represented by a horse and jockey in a bareback race. The winner is the first horse to cross the finish line – with or without its rider. The loser is the second-place horse.

Il Palio is all about local pride in Siena. Things can get pretty heated at the finale and huge arguments often break out amongst rival contrades! The baying crowd will be screaming in celebration when the winning contrade achieves victory.

It will be a memorable night for the winners of the Palio. For the losers it will be a day they would rather forget.

When is the Palio?

It takes place on July 2 and August 16.

How to visit the Palio

Image by Janus Kinase (Flickr/Creative Commons)

The easiest way to see the race is turn up early at the Piazza del Campo, which is cordoned off from the racing track and is completely free. You should arrive early though as up to 60, 000 people will be attending. If you want to get a decent view, then turn up five hours in advance.

It’s worth going to Siena a few days early to feel the carnival atmosphere. Six trail races take place at 9am and 7:45pm three days before the main event. These trail races are much easier to get a prime balcony seat.

Survival tips for the race

Image by Daniele Marcucci (Flickr/Creative Commons)

During the main event, there are no toilet facilities in the central section, but there are plenty of traders selling soft drinks and street food. Bring plenty of water if you’re going to arrive early. Also it’s likely to be very hot so you’ll need a protective hat and sun block too.

Where to stay in Siena

Image by Mario Cutroneo (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Accommodation gets booked up pretty quickly for the Palio. Book now if you want to guarantee a room for this amazing event. Check out our availability here - we have plenty of bed and breakfasts and apartments available at budget prices.

You can also stay at the eco-friendly Siena Hostel, which has been completely refurbished and is only 2km away from the train station. Well served by public transport you can sleep here from only €18 a night.

*Header image by Janus Kinase (Flickr/Creative Commons)