Where does the Palio di Siena take place?

Where does the Palio di Siena take place?

The Palio di Siena is one of Tuscany’s most awaited summer events. Boasting centuries-old origins, Italy’s most famous horse race takes place twice a year in piazza del Campo, Siena’s main medieval, shell-shaped square.

Who is the painter of the Palio in Siena?

The drappellone banner of the Palio of 16 August 2009, painted by Giuliano Ghelli. The drappellone (“banner”), or palio, known affectionately as “the rag” in Siena, is the trophy that is to be delivered to the contrada that wins the Palio.

What kind of trophy is the Palio in Siena?

The drappellone (“banner”), or palio, known affectionately as “the rag” in Siena, is the trophy that is to be delivered to the contrada that wins the Palio. The palio is an elongated rectangular piece of silk, hand-painted by an artist for the occasion.

How many contrade participate in the Palio di Siena?

In each race, only ten of the seventeen contrade participate: the seven which did not participate in the previous year’s Palio and three others chosen by drawing lots.

Boasting centuries-old origins, the Palio di Siena is Italy’s most famous historical horse race. It takes place twice a year in piazza del Campo, Siena’s main medieval square: on July 2 and August 16.

How many horses are in the Palio di Siena?

The field consists of ten horses, so not all seventeen contrade can take part in the Palio on any occasion. The seven contrade that did not take part in that month of the previous year are automatically included; three more are chosen by draw (twice a year, in the last days of May and at the beginning of July).

When is the Palio in Piazza del Campo?

It takes place twice a year in piazza del Campo, Siena’s main medieval square: on July 2 and August 16. The Palio is a huge tradition that lasts a total of four days, from the warm-ups on the morning of June 29 until the races on July 2 ( Palio della Madonna di Provenzano) and again from August 13-16 for the Palio dell’Assunta.