Palio of siena horse race

Palio of Siena 2025

All you need to know about Palio di Siena horse race

by Anastasia Bakker Pisa, Italy April 15, 2025

The Palio of Siena (famous Italian horse race) is your chance to experience Medieval Italian traditions today!

Palio di Siena horse race will take you back to Italy seventeenth century and add a good portion of adrenaline to your visit to Tuscany.

Siena palio race (il palio di Siena - in Italian) is truly one of most interesting festivals in Italy and in Europe gathering thousands of tourists every year.

Palio of Siena 2025 - Palio di Siena horse race

What is Palio in Siena?

Siena palio are horse races held in Siena since 1656 (some sources give 14th century as a starting date). Although first Siena races were done with bulls and even with donkeys, later a definite switch to horses was made.

Palio horse race participants are chosen by a lot held in spring which allows only ten different Contradas to take part in palio of Siena. A certain number of Contrade have a right to participate in Palio "di obbligo" - for sure, without being selected by a lottery.

What are Contrade of Siena?

Contrada of Siena is a kind of historical local municipal government (neighborhoods) having a very long history. Siena is divided into Contradas for 800 years.

How are Siena Palio horses selected?

Palio horses are selected a few days before the event. All the horses must go through the test run (the tratta) in order to select 10 best horses for Palio races. All the 10 horses selected by a trial get a number written behind their ear.

What are the 17 contrade of Siena?

Initially there were 59 Contradas (Contrade) in Siena and there are left only 17 till nowadays. Each Conrad has its own symbol, a flag and a name:

Aquila (Eagle)
Bruco (Caterpillar)
Chiocciola (Snail)
Civetta (Little Owl)
Drago (Dragon)
Giraffa (Giraffe)
Istrice (Crested Porcupine)
Leocorno (Unicorn)
Lupa (She-Wolf)
Nicchio (Seashell)
Oca (Goose)
Onda (Wave)
Pantera (Panther)
Selva (Forest)
Tartuca (Tortoise)
Torre (Tower)
Valdimontone (Valley of the Ram)

A few days before the Palio Siena piazza del Campo gets prepared for the show. The unique half-round shape of piazza del Campo perfectly allows placing the visitors in the middle and the race participants along the side.

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When and Where in 2025 - Palio di Siena Dates

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The Palio is held twice a year, each race with its own unique significance and festivities.

Each Palio is preceded by three days of events, including the selection of the horses (the “Tratta”), trial races, historical parades, and celebratory dinners hosted by the Contrade.

Location: Piazza del Campo, 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
Dates: Palio di Provenzano
Main Race Day: Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Festival Dates: June 29 – July 2, 2025
Race Time: 19:30 (7:30 PM)
Dates: Palio dell’Assunta
Main Race Day: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Festival Dates: August 13 – August 16, 2025
Race Time: 19:00 (7:00 PM)

If bad weather affects the race day, events are typically postponed to the next day (3 July or 17 August) — your tickets remain valid in such cases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Palio di Siena? View Answer+

The Palio di Siena is a centuries-old horse race held twice each summer (in July and August) in Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy. Ten horses and riders, each representing a city district (Contrada), compete in a dramatic, bareback race.

How long does the race last?view answer+

Although the buildup spans four days, the actual race lasts only around 90 seconds! The horses complete three fast laps around the piazza.

Is it free to watch the Palio? view answer+

Yes and no. You can stand in the center of Piazza del Campo for free, but space is limited and it fills up hours before the race. For better views, paid seating on balconies or grandstands (palchi) around the square is highly recommended.

Where to buy tickets for the Palio horse race? view answer+

Tickets are not officially sold by the city. Instead, you must book through travel agencies, tour companies, or local contacts. Prices vary based on seat location (balcony tickets, window tickets, grandstand, etc.).

What happens if it rains on race day? view answer+

If the track is unsafe due to rain, the race is postponed to the next day. Your ticket remains valid for the rescheduled race.

Can tourists attend the pre-race events? view answer+

Yes! Visitors can attend:
- Prove (trial races) each morning and evening
- The Corteo Storico (historic parade)
- Contrada dinners (by invitation or through a local guide)

What is a Contrada? view answer+

A Contrada is a historic district of Siena. There are 17 in total, each with its own emblem, colors, museum, and strong community identity. Only 10 Contrade race in each Palio.

Is the Palio dangerous? view answer+

Yes, it can be dangerous — for both riders and horses. Riders race bareback on tight turns at high speed. The race’s intensity and history contribute to its raw authenticity, but there is some ongoing controversy around safety.

Is the Palio family-friendly? view answer+

Yes — with precautions. While kids may enjoy the spectacle, the crowds can be overwhelming, and there's limited space in the central square. A balcony seat is the best option for families with children.