Piazza del Campo
53100 Siena SI
Италия
The Palio in Siena (Palio di Siena) is a world-famous horse race that has been held in the central square of the Italian city of Siena since 1656.
The races take place twice a year, on July 2 and August 16, in the huge Piazza del Campo in the center of Siena. 10 teams take part in the races, representing different districts of the city and bearing the names of various animals (eagle, snail, dragon) or natural elements (forest, wave).
On the day of the races, spectators are placed in the center of the square, and a 333-meter-long track is laid in a circle along its perimeter. 10 bareback riders, one from each team, must ride three laps around the square. That is, the total distance is 1 kilometer.
If a rider falls off his horse while passing a sharp turn (tourists like this spectacle the most), then the horse itself continues to participate in the competition.
After the races, various ceremonial processions and festivities are held throughout the city, which last all night.