The Palio of Siena
Il Palio
Siena is a city distinguished by its medieval brick buildings. The fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo, is the site of the Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia, a slender 14th-century tower with sweeping views from its distinctive white crown. The city’s 17 historic “contrade” (districts) extend outward from the piazza.
Siena is where the famous 'Il Palio' event takes place every year. The Palio di Siena is a magnificent event dating back to the 6th-century. Ten horses and riders, bareback and dressed in the appropriate colours, represent 10 of the 17 contrade. It stills keeps its roots displayed throughout the medieval town colours and emblems announcing the entrance to the different contrade (districts).
The Palio is a huge tradition that lasts four days with the warm-ups on the morning of June 29 until the actual races on July 2 (Palio della Madonna di Provenzano) and again from August 13-16 for the Palio dell’Assunta.
The race consists of three laps of the Piazza del Campo, on a track made with a mixture of sand and ‘tuff’. The starting point is the Mossa, formed by two ropes where the 10 participating horses and jockeys must wait as the order is decided by drawing lots. The winning jockey is the one whose horse, with or without a jockey, is first to complete the three laps.
Il Palio is a passion for the Sienese people and a bit part of their lives, as each person in the city belongs to a Contrada and participates in organising the event throughout the year. The Contradas each have their own government, coat of arms, celebrations and patron Saints.
The Palio prize is the so-called Drappellone, a large painted silk canvas designed and created each year by a different artist.
In 2021 The Palio competition takes place at the Piazza del Campo on July 2nd, in honour of the Madonna of Provenzano, and August 16th, in honour of the Assumption of Mary.
Within easy reach of Siena is boutique hotel Castello Banfi il Borgo a Relais & Chateaux castle hotel overlooking the surrounding Tuscan hills and its own vineyards. It’s a short journey to Montalcino from this luxury hotel and just an hour away from Siena. Here you’ll discover the finest Italian hospitality and beautiful rooms decorated by interior designer Federico Forquet who designed the 14 rooms, luxury suites and restaurants to be welcoming, warm and elegant spaces. Exquisite wines are produced by the Mariani family.
There are two restaurants at Castello Banfi, “La Taverna” and “Sala dei Grappoli”. You’ll find La Taverna in the old wine cellar, once home to large wooden barrels of “Brunello di Montalcino”. It’s open for lunch serving traditional, local Tuscan dishes using local and seasonal ingredients. Sala dei Grappoli is open for a fine dining experience with a warm, elegant atmosphere, cosy in the winter and in the summer you dine on the outdoor terrace.