An experience dedicated to a timeless show, halfway between sacred and profane that will lead you to discover the Palio of Siena: from the rituals, to the preparations, from the districts (called contrada) to Piazza del Campo where tradition is celebrated.
Those who take part in this tour will understand that the Palio is not a re-enactment manifestation for tourists, but will know the heart of Siena’s history.  A great popular event in Italy, an interrupted tradition over the centuries. The whole city experiences this event twice e a year, on July 2 (Palio di Provenzano) and August 16 (Palio dell’Assunta). The 17 contradas of the city participate following specific rules. Each one is entrusted with a horse and after having run 3 laps of Piazza del Campo, the winner wins the coveted prize: the Palio, a silk banner painted by international artists (among others Gottuso, Botero and Folon). During Palio’s days Siena lives with passion the expectation of this great event. Through this tour you will live the thrilling expectation, you’ll visit the headquarters of the districts and know the secrets of this ancient tradition. You will enter into the oratory, in the church, you will see some wonderful relics of the community kept in the contrada’s museum and it will be possible to visit the stable where the horse rest waiting for the blessing, before the race. Discover the palio di Siena is not only the popular tradition but also the Siena flavors tradition. So, you will taste the famous Ricciarelli, sweets made with almond paste, and the Panforte, a typical Christmas dessert made with fruits and spices whose first testimonies date back to Middle Ages.