Why is the Palio di Siena considered so unique?

The Palio is far more than a horse race. It is a centuries-old civic tradition tied deeply to Siena’s identity, where rivalry between the city’s contrade shapes the atmosphere for weeks before the event. The emotion, pageantry and intensity make it unlike any conventional sporting occasion.

Is the Palio suitable for people who are not normally interested in horse racing?

Absolutely. Many visitors are drawn more by the history, atmosphere and cultural significance than the racing itself. The event feels closer to a living medieval festival than a modern sporting fixture.

Why do people describe the atmosphere as emotional?

For the people of Siena, the Palio represents local pride, family identity and historic rivalry between contrade. Winning and losing are felt very personally, which creates an atmosphere that is passionate, unpredictable and deeply authentic.

Is it difficult to experience the Palio comfortably without a package?

Yes. Siena becomes extremely busy during the Palio, and premium viewing positions are very limited. Many of the best balcony and palazzo vantage points are secured long in advance, particularly for guests looking for a more exclusive experience.

What makes the luxury package experience different?

The package combines the intensity of the Palio with a much calmer and more refined Tuscan base. Staying at a luxury countryside property while having exclusive race viewing access creates a far more balanced and immersive experience overall.

Is the Palio more about the race itself or the days around it?

The atmosphere builds over several days through ceremonies, celebrations, rehearsals and contrada gatherings. The race itself lasts only a few minutes, but the wider experience surrounding it is what gives the Palio its extraordinary reputation.

Why do travellers combine the Palio with a Tuscan luxury holiday?

The contrast works beautifully. Guests can experience the energy and emotion of Siena during the event, then retreat to the slower pace, countryside scenery and hospitality of Tuscany afterwards.

Is this considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience?

For many travellers, yes. The rarity of the event, the strength of local tradition and the atmosphere within Siena make the Palio one of Italy’s most memorable cultural experiences.

Where does the Palio di Siena take place?

The Palio takes place in Piazza del Campo in the historic centre of Siena, Tuscany, Italy.

How many Contrade compete in the Palio?

Ten of Siena's seventeen Contrade compete in each ordinary Palio.

How are the Contrade chosen?

The seven Contrade that did not compete in the corresponding Palio the previous year are entitled to participate, while three further Contrade are selected by draw from those that did compete.

Do Palio jockeys use saddles?

No. Palio jockeys ride bareback.

Can a riderless horse win the Palio?

Yes. A riderless horse can win the Palio provided it completes the race in accordance with the rules and retains the required headgear.

Do you need a ticket for the Palio di Siena?

Standing in the central area of Piazza del Campo is traditionally free, subject to capacity and safety restrictions. Reserved grandstand positions and private balconies or windows are separate arrangements.

What is a Contrada Dinner?

The Contrada Dinner associated with the Prova Generale takes place on the evening before the Palio, when members gather around communal tables in their neighbourhood streets and squares.

Can tourists attend the Palio di Siena?

Yes. Visitors can attend the Palio, although it is important to respect that the event is a deeply significant Sienese civic and cultural tradition.

Can the Palio be combined with Orient Express La Dolce Vita?

Yes. Mulberry Travel can arrange itineraries combining the Palio di Siena with an Orient Express La Dolce Vita journey, subject to operating dates and availability.

Who won the most recent Palio di Siena?

Aquila won the most recently completed Palio, raced on 3 July 2026 after the traditional 2 July race was postponed.

Palio di Siena Luxury Packages

The Palio di Siena is one of Italy’s most extraordinary cultural events, combining centuries of tradition, fierce local rivalry and the spectacle of bareback horse racing in Siena’s magnificent Piazza del Campo.

The Palio is traditionally held twice each year, on 2 July for the Palio di Provenzano and 16 August for the Palio dell’Assunta. Ten of Siena’s seventeen historic Contrade take part in each race.

The experience extends far beyond the race itself. During the days leading up to the Palio, Siena comes alive with horse trials, processions, Contrada dinners, the blessing of the horses, drumming, flag throwing and celebrations throughout the medieval city.

Mulberry Travel can create a luxury Palio di Siena experience combining premium race viewing arrangements, exceptional accommodation in Tuscany, private transfers and a tailor-made Italian itinerary.

Palio Package Highlights

Palio di Siena luxury packages
July & August race dates
Luxury Tuscan accommodation
Premium Palio viewing arrangements
Contrada experiences
Private transfers available
Tailor-made Tuscany extensions

Palio di Siena 2026 & 2027

ENQUIRE ABOUT PALIO PACKAGES

Palio di Siena 2026 & 2027 – Quick Guide

The Palio di Siena takes place twice each summer in Piazza del Campo, traditionally on 2 July and 16 August. Ten of Siena’s seventeen Contrade compete in each race, with horses ridden bareback around three laps of the historic square.

Location: Piazza del Campo, Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Traditional dates: 2 July and 16 August
July race: Palio di Provenzano
August race: Palio dell’Assunta
Number of competing Contrade: 10
Total Contrade in Siena: 17
Race format: Three laps of Piazza del Campo
Riding: Bareback
Latest completed Palio: 3 July 2026 – Aquila
Luxury packages: Available through Mulberry Travel

Race-day arrangements are highly sought after. Premium seats, balconies and private viewing positions should therefore be planned well in advance, particularly when combined with luxury accommodation in Siena or the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

Palio Package
Dates & Visitor Guide
The 17 Contrade

Luxury Palio di Siena Packages

Attending the Palio is very different from attending a conventional race meeting. The most memorable experiences involve not only watching the race itself, but becoming immersed in Siena during the extraordinary days of ceremony, rivalry and celebration surrounding it.

Mulberry Travel can arrange a tailor-made Palio experience centred around luxury accommodation at Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany, together with carefully planned transport and premium arrangements in Siena.

Featured Palio Experience

A luxury Palio itinerary can include:

Three nights’ luxury accommodation in Tuscany
Accommodation at Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany
Breakfast each morning
Private or arranged transfers between the hotel and Siena
Local assistance while in Siena
Premium Palio viewing arrangements
Hospitality arrangements where included
Contrada Dinner experience where available
Additional Tuscany, Florence or Italian extensions on request

Exact inclusions, viewing arrangements, hotel category and pricing vary by departure date and availability. Your Mulberry Travel consultant will confirm the complete itinerary before booking.

Palio Package Experiences

Palio di Siena luxury package in Tuscany

PACKAGE DETAILS

Luxury Palio experience

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CASTELLO DI CASOLE

Luxury Belmond hotel in Tuscany

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PALIO VIEWING

Premium race-day arrangements

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Orient Express La Dolce Vita and Palio di Siena package

ORIENT EXPRESS & PALIO

Combine La Dolce Vita with the Palio

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Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany

Set among vineyards, olive groves and rolling Tuscan countryside near Siena, Castello di Casole provides an elegant base for a Palio journey. The historic estate combines its medieval character with contemporary luxury, making it possible to experience the intensity of race day before returning to the tranquillity of rural Tuscany.

Luxury rooms, suites and villas
Outdoor swimming pool
Essere Spa
Traditional Tuscan dining
Vineyards and olive groves
Easy access to Siena and the Tuscan countryside

Why Book the Palio with Mulberry Travel?

Planning a successful Palio visit requires more than reserving a hotel room. Siena becomes exceptionally busy during Palio week and premium viewing arrangements are limited.

Tailor-made Palio di Siena itineraries
Luxury hotel arrangements
Premium race viewing options
Private transfers
Contrada experiences where available
Additional nights in Florence or Tuscany
Luxury rail combinations including Orient Express La Dolce Vita
One point of contact for the complete itinerary

Contact Mulberry Travel to plan your Palio di Siena experience.

Palio di Siena Dates, History & Visitor Guide

Palio di Siena horse race in Piazza del Campo

When is the Palio di Siena?

The two traditional Palio races take place each year on:

2 July – Palio di Provenzano
16 August – Palio dell’Assunta

The programme surrounding each race begins several days earlier. Weather and track conditions can occasionally cause the race itself to be postponed, as has happened several times in recent years.

2026 Palio di Siena

July Palio: scheduled for 2 July 2026 and raced on 3 July following postponement
July 2026 winner: Aquila
August Palio: traditionally scheduled for 16 August 2026

2027 Palio di Siena

The ordinary Palio follows the traditional annual dates of 2 July and 16 August. Mulberry Travel can accept advance enquiries for 2027 and will confirm final travel arrangements and availability when booking.

What Happens During the Palio?

The Palio is not simply a two-minute sporting event. For Siena’s Contrade, it is the culmination of an intense cycle of community life, rivalry, ceremony and preparation.

Horse selection and assignment

Before the race, eligible horses undergo veterinary assessment and trials. Ten horses are ultimately selected and assigned to the competing Contrade by draw.

The trial races

Several official trials take place on the Piazza del Campo in the days before the Palio. These allow horses and jockeys to become accustomed to the unique circuit and give the Contrade an opportunity to assess their prospects.

The Prova Generale

The penultimate trial is known as the Prova Generale. That evening, each participating Contrada holds its traditional dinner in the streets and squares of its district.

The Contrada Dinner

The Cena della Prova Generale is one of the most atmospheric moments of Palio week. Long communal tables fill the streets of the participating Contrade as members gather on the eve of the race.

The blessing of the horse

On race day, each horse is blessed inside its Contrada’s church or oratory before leaving for Piazza del Campo. The ceremony is deeply significant to the Contrada and should be treated with respect.

The historical procession

Before the race, the elaborate Corteo Storico enters Piazza del Campo with representatives of Siena’s seventeen Contrade, flag bearers, drummers and the Carroccio carrying the painted Drappellone awarded to the winner.

The race

Ten horses race bareback for three laps of Piazza del Campo. The start can be unpredictable and false starts are part of the spectacle. A horse can win even if it completes the race without its jockey, provided it retains the required headgear.

How Are the Ten Contrade Chosen?

Siena has seventeen Contrade but only ten compete in each ordinary Palio. The seven Contrade that did not participate in the corresponding Palio the previous year have the right to take part, while three additional Contrade are selected by draw from those that did compete.

Where is the Best Place to Watch the Palio?

There are several very different ways to experience the race.

Centre of Piazza del Campo

The centre of Piazza del Campo provides free standing access, subject to capacity and local restrictions. It offers an extraordinary atmosphere but involves long periods standing in a very crowded environment.

Grandstand seating

Reserved grandstand positions around the perimeter of the Piazza offer a more structured viewing experience. Availability is limited and arrangements are normally made well in advance.

Private windows and balconies

Private buildings around Piazza del Campo provide some of the most sought-after Palio viewing. These can offer an elevated view of the race combined with greater comfort and, depending on the arrangement, hospitality.

Premium Palio packages

For travellers who prefer the event to be organised as part of a complete luxury itinerary, Mulberry Travel can combine viewing arrangements with accommodation, transfers and additional Tuscan experiences.

Recent Palio di Siena Winners

3 July 2026: Aquila
16 August 2025: Valdimontone
3 July 2025: Oca
17 August 2024: Lupa
4 July 2024: Onda
16 August 2023: Oca
2 July 2023: Selva
17 August 2022: Leocorno
2 July 2022: Drago

What is a Contrada?

Siena is divided into seventeen historic districts known as Contrade. They are far more than geographical neighbourhoods: each is a living community with its own identity, colours, symbol, church, museum, traditions, allies and, in many cases, a historic rival.

For many Sienese, belonging to a Contrada is a lifelong identity. Baptisms, marriages, religious festivals, dinners and Palio victories are celebrated within the Contrada community.

Palio History

The Palio in its modern form is the product of centuries of Sienese history and civic tradition. Piazza del Campo becomes a temporary racecourse when a layer of specially prepared earth is laid around the perimeter of the square.

Although the race lasts only a short time, its importance to Siena extends throughout the year. Strategy, horse preparation, jockey selection, alliances and rivalries ensure that each Palio becomes part of an ongoing story stretching across generations.

The 17 Contrade of Siena

Siena’s seventeen Contrade each have their own emblem, colours, traditions and community identity. Select a Contrada below to see key information together with its most recent Palio victory.

AQUILA

Eagle

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BRUCO

Caterpillar

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CHIOCCIOLA

Snail

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CIVETTA

Owl

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DRAGO

Dragon

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GIRAFFA

Giraffe

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ISTRICE

Porcupine

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LEOCORNO

Unicorn

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LUPA

She-wolf

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VALDIMONTONE

Ram

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NICCHIO

Shell

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ONDA

Wave

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PANTERA

Panther

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SELVA

Forest

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TARTUCA

Tortoise

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OCA

Goose

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TORRE

Tower

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Contrada Rivalries and Alliances

The relationships between Siena’s Contrade are a central part of Palio culture. Some Contrade maintain historic alliances, while others have rivalries that can influence the atmosphere and strategy surrounding a race.

Not every Contrada has a rival. Aquila and Pantera, Chiocciola and Tartuca, Civetta and Leocorno, Istrice and Lupa, Nicchio and Valdimontone, and Oca and Torre are among the recognised rival pairings. The relationship involving Onda and Torre is unusual because the rivalry is traditionally regarded differently by the two Contrade.

These relationships help explain why preventing a rival Contrada from winning can sometimes feel almost as important to a Contrada as victory itself.

Most Recent Victory by Contrada

Aquila: 3 July 2026
Bruco: 16 August 2008
Chiocciola: 16 August 1999
Civetta: 16 August 2014
Drago: 2 July 2022
Giraffa: 2 July 2019
Istrice: 2 July 2008
Leocorno: 17 August 2022
Lupa: 17 August 2024
Valdimontone: 16 August 2025
Nicchio: 16 August 1998
Onda: 4 July 2024
Pantera: 2 July 2006
Selva: 2 July 2023
Tartuca: 16 August 2010
Oca: 3 July 2025
Torre: 2 July 2015

HORSE RACING PACKAGES

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Orient Express La Dolce Vita Palio Siena journey

ORIENT EXPRESS & PALIO

Combine La Dolce Vita with the Palio di Siena

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CASTELLO DI CASOLE

Luxury Belmond hotel in the Tuscan countryside

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FAQs about Palio di Siena

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Palio di Siena Luxury Packages

Palio di Siena 2026 & 2027

Palio di Siena 2026 & 2027 – Quick Guide

Luxury Palio di Siena Packages

Featured Palio Experience

Palio Package Experiences

PACKAGE DETAILS