The Siena Palio

When it comes to Tuscany guided tours, the tour of Siena ranks high on the list of memorable lifetime experiences. Siena is only a short distance from Florence, but traveling from one city to the other means crossing territory that has been fiercely fought over for centuries. As you leisurely look out the window of the car or van transporting you between the two historic cities, you will see for yourself what all the fuss is about: it is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful regions of Italy.

Siena is home to the famous Palio horse races, a festive tradition that takes place each year in mid-summer. Back in the Middle Ages, Siena had dozens of separate neighborhoods known as contrade, each represented by a different animal or symbol. Annually, each contrada sent a single rider on the back of a bull or donkey to race around the Piazza del Campo, Siena’s town square. Colorful flags featuring 17 of those mascots can still be viewed today, when the local districts of the old contrade once again compete with each other by nominating a jockey to ride around the Piazza del Campo. The city may have been united against common enemies in the past, but when the Palio comes to town the districts are divided by neighborhood pride.

There is a multitude of festivities surrounding the Palio races in July and August each year. The night before the big races, streets are lit by lamps and torches, and tables bearing bountiful food are set along the main gathering squares of the city for a massive open-air feast. Locals and tourists who register in advance align with individual neighborhoods to partake in an abundance of grilled meats, vegetables and pasta dishes that have been prepared by volunteers. Beneath the neighborhood flags, there is much eating, drinking and merriment ahead of the next day’s fierce competition.

The days leading up to and following the Palio is an ideal time for a one day trip from Florence / Siena guided tour, to experience the competition of the ancient city’s contrade. It is no Kentucky Derby, which is only one lap around an oval track. The horses bearing each neighborhood’s jockey make their way around Siena’s square in a unique pattern, completing three laps, all in pursuit of the same prize. But there can only be one winner in the field of 10, and everyone is convinced that it will be the jockey and horse associated with their favorite contrada.