Old World Charm’s Alive and Well: Siena’s Il Palio

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Old World Charm’s Alive and Well: Siena’s Il Palio
Fora’s Take

Il Palio is a famous horse race in Siena, Italy. Each neighborhood of the old city has its own unique mascot, colors, horse, jockey and a patron saint (!), and each year on July 2 and August 16 they battle it out for the official win and the palio: a marvelous tapestry hand-painted by a local artist.

Planning travel to Italy? Consider building a week-long stay in Siena old town to experience this one-of-a-kind event!

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The historic center of Siena, Italy, is the oldest part of this gorgeous Tuscan city. It used to be surrounded by a wall, and one must still pass through the gates to enter the old city. Once inside, expect a wonderland of Italian delights: Vespas accelerating uphill, small cafes with cakes and espresso at the counter, Tuscan wine and warm, sunlit walks. For convenient accessibility, stay in the She-Wolf (Lupa) district and walk everywhere within the old city, including the famous piazza del Campo, where the Il Palio horse race takes place.

door photo in italy

Each year, Il Palio takes place on July 2 and August 16. Each neighborhood of the old city has a unique mascot, colors, horse, jockey and patron saint, and each year they battle it out for the official win and the palio, a marvelous tapestry hand-painted by a local artist. The revelry which overtakes the city — including parading horses down streets near piazza del Campo — is hard to underestimate. The Sienese are an extremely proud people, and they have kept this medieval tradition alive as is for over 500 years.

Getting hungry? Don’t miss an exquisite pasta with mushrooms foraged straight from the forest at La Vecchia Taverna di Bacco, located on a side street near piazza del Campo. Naturally, enjoy a glass of local Chianti inside a medieval aqueduct near Piazza San Giovanni. Need to beat the heat? Strawberry (fragola) popsicles, mineral water and Fanta are your friend. While the old city is not the most accessible, those with hiking shoes and an adventurous spirit will find that traversing the old city is like a zigzag urban hiking trail.

Need to know

*Stay in the old city.

*Take excellent hiking shoes for traversing the hilly streets inside the old city.

*Be sure to sample excellent Tuscan food and wine while staying in the old city.

*Be aware that the revelry surrounding Il Palio spills out into the streets.

*Get your tickets to Il Palio early and plan a week’s stay around July 2 or August 16.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Siena. In need of further inspiration? Check out Lauren Harvey‘s guide, 5 Unique Things to do in Siena, Italy.

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