About this Event:
Palio di Siena is a horse race held twice each year, on 2 July and 16 August, in Siena, Italy. Ten horses and riders, bareback and dressed in the appropriate colours, represent ten of the seventeen contrade, or city wards, in a tradition dating back to the 17th century. Horse races in Siena are held since the 13th century, with the first modern Palio in 1633 and the race regulated in 1721. The 2027 edition brings the Palio di Provenzano and Palio dell’Assunta back to Il Campo.
Date & Time:
Officially confirmed at paliodisiena.tickets and Comune di Siena: July 2 & August 16, 2027. Friday July 2, 2027 for Palio di Provenzano and Monday August 16, 2027 for Palio dell’Assunta, with race at around 7:30 p.m. in July and 7 p.m. in August.
Explore Local Experiences:
Venue & Location:
Piazza del Campo, shell-shaped medieval square in Siena. Official address: Piazza del Campo, Il Campo, Siena, Tuscany, 53100, Italy, where a thick layer of earth is laid for the racetrack.
Staying overnight?
Check the nearest hotel near the venue.
What to Expect
The main attraction is the traditional horse race around Piazza del Campo. Visitors can also watch the beautiful Historical Parade, where people wear traditional clothes and carry colourful flags.
There are also practice races before the main race. Visitors can enjoy the music, sounds, and celebrations of the different Contrade during the parade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you plan your visit.
When and where is Palio di Siena 2027?
Palio di Siena 2027 takes place on July 2 and August 16, 2027 in Siena, Italy. The Palio runs on 2 July and 16 August every year, which in 2027 means Friday July 2 and Monday August 16, in Piazza del Campo.
What is the history of Palio di Siena?
In first decades of 17th century, Palio concluded its transition to main square Il Campo, becoming a popular event. On July 11, 1605, City Council received proposal to run race in its current location. However, Palio did not take final form until 1656, and it was not until 1721 that it was regulated by proclamation forming basis of modern Palio regulations. When Grand Duke of Tuscany outlawed bullfighting in 1590, contrade took to organizing races in Piazza del Campo.
What is the exact venue address for Palio di Siena?
Official address is Piazza del Campo, Il Campo, Siena, Tuscany, 53100, Italy. Il Palio is held in Piazza del Campo and spills into most of Siena's Old Town, with walk or city bus from train station to reach the square.
Who competes in Palio di Siena?
Ten horses and riders represent ten of seventeen contrade: Aquila, Bruco, Chiocciola, Civetta, Drago, Giraffa, Istrice, Leocorno, Lupa, Nicchio, Oca, Onda, Pantera, Selva, Tartuca, Torre and Valdimontone. Of Siena's 17 contrade, 10 are represented by a horse and rider in each race, with horse, not jockey, belonging to contrada from tratta moment.
What is the schedule for Palio di Siena?
Palio festivities begin morning of June 29 for July race and August 13 for August race. Day 1 is tratta, days 1-3 are six prove trials, day 4 afternoon is Corteo Storico at about 5 p.m., followed by race 2-3 hours later. Race times are approximately 7:30 p.m. for July and 7 p.m. for August, with July race in honour of Madonna of Provenzano and August race in honour of Assumption of Mary.
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