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Palio Di Siena
Wild horse race in Siena
Category

Activity

Est. Duration

1-2h

Also

Wildlife

Message from Justice & Hannah Lynn Arceri

The Palio di Siena is a wild horse race that goes down twice a year in Siena, Italy. Picture this: ten horses and riders, decked out in their contrada's colors, tearing around the Piazza del Campo like there's no tomorrow. It's a big deal for the locals, with each contrada (neighborhood) rooting for their horse to win. The race lasts just 90 seconds, but it's packed with drama – jockeys flying off, riderless horses crossing the finish line, and all that jazz. And hey, winning horse? It gets a fancy painted silk banner as a trophy. Talk about high stakes!

The race has been going on twice a year since the 1200s!! Rivalries lasting generations!

The winner of the races hold bragging rights all year, and sometimes one neighborhood will go on a 30 year run of winning!

The races are only on July 2 and August 16

Activity level
Age requirement

All ages

Seasonality

Summer

Things to Do Nearby

Piazza del Campo
Caffe A. Nannini
Duomo di Siena
Pienza
La Loggetta di Villa Bardini
Podere Il Casale
La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant
Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
Uffizi Gallery

Looking for things to do?

Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.

Go to Guide