Palio di Siena (Siena Palio Horse Race) is Siena’s fierce civic-and-religious festival in Siena, Italy, run each July 2 (honouring the Madonna di Provenzano) and each August 16 (for the Assunta). Ten of the city’s contrade charge bareback for three laps around Piazza del Campo, after days of horse blessings, rival rituals, and the pageantry of the Corteo Storico. The prize is the painted Drappellone (Palio banner)—and, above all, neighbourhood honour.
Start with a quick trip form. Weekend in Siena or a Tuscany route—we’ll plan contrada events & Corteo Storico, race-day viewing with smart vantage points & timing, and a walkable stay by Piazza del Campo.
Prefer to talk it through? Book a free intro call.
DATES & TIMES
• Race days (2026): Thursday, July 2, 2026 and Sunday, August 16, 2026. Official organizer reference (annual dates).
• Four‑day program (events/trials leading up to each race): June 29–July 2 and August 13–16. Official tourism/municipality overview.
• Race‑day timing is published by the organizer (parade enters Piazza del Campo in late afternoon; horses exit “Cortile del Podestà” around 7:30 PM (July) / 7:00 PM (August)). Times can vary year to year—confirm the current program. Official program & times.
LOCATION
• Siena, Tuscany, Italy. Open in Google Maps.
• The race takes place in Piazza del Campo. Piazza del Campo map.
• Official organizer site: Il Palio di Siena (Comune di Siena).
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Standing in the center of Piazza del Campo is free for the Palio and the trials (enter before access points close). Official entry guidance.
• Seated viewing (bleachers/grandstands, balconies, windows) is typically paid; the organizer notes there is no centralized box office, so you must contact stand managers (“palcaioli”) or property owners. Official ticket info.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Access rules and restrictions (entry routes, capacity limits, age limits, prohibited items) are issued by the organizer ahead of each Palio. Official info · Example official access flyer (bilingual).
• Entry is often controlled via specific streets (for example, Via Dupré). Via Dupré map.
• Getting to Siena (official tourism guidance): How to get to Siena.
Tell us your dates, who’s coming, and what else you’d like to see. We’ll suggest a Tuscany route that includes the Palio di Siena at the right moment, with realistic travel days and comfortable home bases.
Prefer to start with a call? Book a free intro call.