Apart from numerous monuments, remarkable architecture, nature and cuisine, Siena is probably the loveliest city in Tuscany. More compact, and therefore friendlier, than the relatively large city of Florence, and on the other hand, larger and livelier in the evenings than dozens of small towns in the Chianti region, which are visited by crowds of tourists. Besides, Siena is Contrady and Palio.
Siena boasts one of the most beautiful squares in the world - this is Piazza del Campo. An unusual shell-shaped square with a brick floor sloping down towards the Palazzo Publico building. The square is surrounded by medieval tenement houses made of dark red brick. However, the architecture of this amazing place is not everything. There is a wonderful Tuscan atmosphere here. People hang out at Piazza del Campo until late at night. Both residents and tourists even lie on a brick floor warmed by the sun. It is an ideal place for relaxing and long conversations with friends. The sight of people carelessly relaxing in the square is truly amazing.
Palio is one of the most spectacular and historic Italian festivals that take place in Siena in Piazza del Campo. The Palio is more than just a tourist event, it is part of the daily life of the people of Siena from birth.
Palio takes place twice a year:
It is a horse race, which is the culmination of a festival in which the Contrady districts of Siena compete. 10 out of 17 districts take part in it. Already 3 days before the Palio, the city has the atmosphere of a great medieval festival. It beggars description. You have to experience it.
The race takes 3 laps of the square and lasts only 2-3 minutes. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, so the riders wear costumes from the 15th century. In the days leading up to the Palio in Siena, a series of spectacular parades and parades take place, and Siena is decorated with banners and ribbons in the colorful colors of the neighborhoods. Therefore, to fully experience the excitement of the Palio, it is best to come to Siena two or even three days before the race.
There are 17 districts (contrade) in Siena: Aquila (Eagle), Bruco (Caterpillar), Chiocciola (Snail), Civetta (Owl), Drago (Dragon), Giraffa (Giraffe), Istrice (Porcupine), Leocorno (Unicorn), Lupa (She-wolf), Nicchio (Shell), Oca (Goose), Onda (Wave), Panther (Panther), Selva (Forest), Tartuca (Tortoise), Torre (Tower) and Valdimontone (Aries). Of these 17, only 10 compete in each race.