Il Palio in Siena - More than just a horse race

Il Palio, Race - Siena

What Is Il Palio??

Siena was one of the first Tuscany towns we visited back in 2000 when we embarked on our first vacation rental inspection. I had been struck by the inpression of going back in time. The holiday rental apartment we had stayed at with my friend Herve was just a short walk from the famous Piazza where the Palio takes place every year.

Siena, a spectacular medieval town built on 3 hills in central Tuscany, is known for its art and architecture. But it's also famous for il Palio, a popular festival and horse race. Begun in 1260 as a huge feast to celebrate victory after the battle of Montaperti and to honor the Blessed Virgin, the entire town turns out to celebrate twice a year, on July 2 and August 16. Piazza del Campo is the large central square that's transformed into an arena for the horse race.

Il Palio, Siena

Family Competition

Seventeen boroughs or districts within Siena are each represented by a horse and rider. Jockeys are dressed in traditional costume and compete for a painted silk drape. Preceded by a picturesque parade coming from the Government Palace courtyard and entering the Campo, you see the splendid costumes of each jockey as they wave flags and move slowly around the track to the sound of drums. The race itself is so exciting - to be immersed in the crowd all cheering and rooting for their champion, the horses and riders speeding around the track. It's the making of an unforgettable memory. When you stay in a villa or Apartment in the heart of Siena, you will be immersed in the history and charm of this town.

Villa Opera, Monteroni d'Arbia

Charming Villages

Siena is the heart and soul of Tuscany. Surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Chianti, numerous hilltop villages such as San Gimignano, and the clay cliffs and cornfields to the south, this outstanding hill town is a wealth of culture and artistic excellence. It reminds me of an old man who's seen much hardship but survived it all, standing straight, proud of his heritage. Like a hard working peasant, his face is bronzed and wrinkled, his steady gaze hinting of acquired wisdom and history. Such stories he can tell!

Find your villa rental in the Siena region now!

Siena had a difficult beginning. With no sea escape nearby, marauders had their way with her. She was pillaged and ransacked with regularity over the centuries, and yet always survived. Divided into 17 districts (contrade), we still witness the famous Palio horse race, where the Sienese exhibit their love and respect for the old districts, recognizing each as a valuable and unique personality. The people still embrace their civil and religious traditions, and live in harmony in this historical and artistic environment, which is unique in all the world.

Siena, Tuscany, Italy

Bathed in History

Siena was a Roman colony during the Republican age. During the Imperial age and the early Middle Ages it went through its most terrible times including attacks from marauders, sieges, civil war, and epidemics of sickness. Always dominated by the greater power and rivalry of Florence, it struggled to expand. Towards the middle of the 11th century the Consuls put in a lay government. For the next century Siena reached the height of its political and economic power, especially after the famous battle of Montaperti in 1260 in which it defeated the Florentines. The many magnificent monuments of Siena were built during this Free Towns period, including the renowned "Piazza del Campo" and the "Palazzo Publico".

Il Palazzino - Rental in the heart of Siena

Most of us are just not used to the depth of historical significance that Siena exhibits, and the discovery of it is personally exciting and academically stimulating. Let yourself "feel" the culture as you step back in time. Capture your favorite discoveries and revelations by journaling and taking photos so as to enable you to revisit them in the future. Taking time for contemplation and meditation makes it all the better!