Follow this part of the trail
13 articles
Siena's contrade are more than neighborhoods; they are living communities with deep roots in the city's medieval past. Each contrada has its own museum, a treasure trove of art, historical memorabilia, and the cherished Palio banners, known as drappelloni, won over centuries. This guide helps you understand what to expect and how to plan your visit.
The Corteo Storico is a grand historical procession that precedes the Palio di Siena on July 2 and August 16. This guide explains its origins, the route from the Duomo to Piazza del Campo, the 14 groups of flag-wavers and musicians, the Carroccio with the Drappellone, and where you can watch the spectacle for free.
The Palio di Siena captivates thousands each July 2 and August 16, but the real prelude happens in the days before. This guide explains the practice races known as prove and the provaccia, the final trial on race morning, offering a closer look at the contrade and their horses without the intense crowds of the main event.
The August 16 Palio dell'Assunta is Siena's second historic horse race, set amid the Italian Ferragosto holiday. This guide explains how the multi-day schedule works, how to choose between free standing room and paid seats, and how to handle mid-August crowds, heat, and accommodation pressure.
Siena's 17 contrade each hold an annual feast day honoring their patron saint, with processions, flag-waving, and community dinners. These celebrations happen throughout the year, offering visitors a chance to experience local traditions beyond the Palio. This guide organizes them by season to help you plan your trip, with a reminder to verify exact dates each year.
Watching the Palio di Siena means choosing between the free-standing crowd in the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the temporary wooden grandstands known as palchi, or a private balcony overlooking the square. Each offers a different balance of atmosphere, comfort, and perspective. This guide explains what to expect from each option and how to position yourself for the best possible experience.
Calendimaggio is Assisi's most important lay festival, held over four days in early May. Two rival contrade, the Nobilissima Parte de Sopra and the Magnifica Parte de Sotto, compete in medieval costume with music, parades, and challenges. This guide explains what to see, where to stand, and how to plan your visit.
Every May, Assisi transforms into a medieval stage as two historic factions—Parte de Sopra and Parte de Sotto—compete in song, dance, and pageantry. Rooted in 14th-century family feuds, this friendly rivalry now defines the Calendimaggio festival, offering visitors a living glimpse into the city's past.
Immerse yourself in the medieval pageantry of the Giostra della Quintana, Foligno’s historic jousting tournament. Learn about its origins, the ten districts, the atmosphere of the June and September editions, and how to plan your visit with practical tips on tickets, seating, and experiencing the city beyond the arena.
The Palio di Ferrara is a free, spectacular historical reenactment held every May in Ferrara, Italy. From the thrilling horse race in Piazza Ariostea to the grand historical procession through the city center, here's everything you need to know about watching the event without spending a cent on tickets.
Siena's 17 contrade are year-round institutions with their own government, church and museum — not Palio teams. What that means for visiting the city.
Compare Palio di Siena tickets: palchi vs. balcony seating, current price ranges, and how to attend the trial races and contrada street dinners.
