Palio di Siena
Palio di Siena
4.5
About
Twice a year, in July and August, the wide Piazza del Campo in the centre of Siena is transformed into a horse racetrack. 17 different 'contrade' neighbourhoods are represented by decorated silk flags and compete to win the coveted 'Drappellone' prize. There are also historical costumed parades that take place before the race.
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Timtravelsabout
London, UK48 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
We went to Italy with a group of friends to celebrate special birthday. On thursday before the palio we attended the race trials which are a series of trial starts to prepare for the horses for the large crowds on the day of the race.
The palio on saturday was spectacular with 10 horses racing for coveted banner or palio. Siena has 17 contratas which are the neighbourhood districts. We were part of the Lupa contrata (she wolf). The medieval style pagent begins the afternoon followed by the entrance of horses and jockeys who ride bareback. The race starts at 5.30 and consists of three laps around the famous Campo. The 2022 race was the first race after being cancelled because of the pandemic and our horse finished fourth. We had great seats on a balcony overlooking the campo that we bought a year in advance. The winner was drago of the dragon contrata. We had a great time but this race isnt for those who dont like crowds.
The palio on saturday was spectacular with 10 horses racing for coveted banner or palio. Siena has 17 contratas which are the neighbourhood districts. We were part of the Lupa contrata (she wolf). The medieval style pagent begins the afternoon followed by the entrance of horses and jockeys who ride bareback. The race starts at 5.30 and consists of three laps around the famous Campo. The 2022 race was the first race after being cancelled because of the pandemic and our horse finished fourth. We had great seats on a balcony overlooking the campo that we bought a year in advance. The winner was drago of the dragon contrata. We had a great time but this race isnt for those who dont like crowds.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diederik
1 contribution
Jul 2023
First of all, let me say it's definitely worth it to visit the Palio. Siena is worth visiting any time of the year, but the Palio is something else. Even though it is during tourist season it still is (and feels) a very local event. The people and athmosphere are amazing!
But this review is to help people considering booking with Jacopo Della Torre (as I was, last winter). I did read some other negative reviews, but his response was very well written, so I decided to trust him. I think if everything goes perfect, you'll be fine, but be sure that you have no rights if something goes wrong. Especially for the trial runs, his terms state: "in the rare event of cancellation of the one you have bought tickets for, tickets remain valid for the next one, possibly at 9am the following morning". Please note that this simply not true (as you can read below).
Prior to the Palio there is great and friendly email contact. You have to pay to a bank in Lithuania based in Hungary, which I though was a bit strange, but in the end the tickets were waiting for us at the hotel, just as promised. You are given a local phone number of his assistant, who you can contact during the Palio.
In reality the assistant doesn't always respond and you are not kept up to date. This is relevant, because sometimes (as in our case) the trail runs (and/or Palio itself) will be postponed because of the weather. We didn't hear anything so went at 9.00 in the morning to the square, to see that the trail run was cancelled. After that we met him briefly and he asked us to send him an email about a possible trial run later that night.
He will probably reply to this post explaining himself, but I disagree. You can judge for yourself based on his own words:
Jacopo: "Sorry, no chance for tonight. If the race is on, it's sold out. Tomorrow morning could be an option. Thanks for now and we talk later in case".
We heard nothing. After filing a complaint with him, he said he couldn't remember meeting us in person (this was 3 days after we met him). He will probably write a well written answer to this post justifying his actions, so I will leave to everyone to judge it based on his own words:
"Had you been more proactive, you would have been rescheduled as anyone else who indeed bothered contacting us also later on the day. After all, with all respect, I don't think that your day was as busy as mine, and nobody ever prevented you from contacting me or my team again during the day"
But this review is to help people considering booking with Jacopo Della Torre (as I was, last winter). I did read some other negative reviews, but his response was very well written, so I decided to trust him. I think if everything goes perfect, you'll be fine, but be sure that you have no rights if something goes wrong. Especially for the trial runs, his terms state: "in the rare event of cancellation of the one you have bought tickets for, tickets remain valid for the next one, possibly at 9am the following morning". Please note that this simply not true (as you can read below).
Prior to the Palio there is great and friendly email contact. You have to pay to a bank in Lithuania based in Hungary, which I though was a bit strange, but in the end the tickets were waiting for us at the hotel, just as promised. You are given a local phone number of his assistant, who you can contact during the Palio.
In reality the assistant doesn't always respond and you are not kept up to date. This is relevant, because sometimes (as in our case) the trail runs (and/or Palio itself) will be postponed because of the weather. We didn't hear anything so went at 9.00 in the morning to the square, to see that the trail run was cancelled. After that we met him briefly and he asked us to send him an email about a possible trial run later that night.
He will probably reply to this post explaining himself, but I disagree. You can judge for yourself based on his own words:
Jacopo: "Sorry, no chance for tonight. If the race is on, it's sold out. Tomorrow morning could be an option. Thanks for now and we talk later in case".
We heard nothing. After filing a complaint with him, he said he couldn't remember meeting us in person (this was 3 days after we met him). He will probably write a well written answer to this post justifying his actions, so I will leave to everyone to judge it based on his own words:
"Had you been more proactive, you would have been rescheduled as anyone else who indeed bothered contacting us also later on the day. After all, with all respect, I don't think that your day was as busy as mine, and nobody ever prevented you from contacting me or my team again during the day"
Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Die Muntermacherin
Wuppertal, Germany27 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We were there last summer and it was - as expected - very hot. The whole week before is spent decorating and celebrating. To take part in the Palio itself you need a very expensive grandstand ticket or you have to "fight" for a place in the blazing sun on the inner square. That wasn't for us. Nevertheless: The city and the celebrations are definitely worth a trip.
Written December 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LSQRD1
Kent, OH871 contributions
Jun 2023
In the interest of full disclosure, our experience was only possible because we know several people in one of the contradas. Thus, we had the whole experience from the trial to the dinner to the blessing of the horse to the race. It was a lot to take in and seeing it through the eyes of our local colleagues gave just a small picture into the cultural experience. Standing in the slopped campo for several hours was a challenge (trapped among sooo many people with no bathroom) and it is really, really crowded. Fortunately, the experience of others paid off as we were in the shade. One tip--bottles with lids are not allowed so bring water but not a lid. Overall, the experience was a lot..I am glad I did it but not sure I would do it again. The contrada dinner was definitely the highlight for me.
Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve M
7 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
I purchased 2 balcony tickets for the August 2023 Palio and could not be more happy. The tickets were just as described. I also bought tickets to a contrada dinner and, to my surprise, Jacopo was seated at our table. I got Jacopo’s name from friends in Siena that knew him personally so I never doubted my transaction would have problems. Had I not had this connection I can understand how some people would be leery of making such a large purchase from a website that they had no prior knowledge of. Now that the Palio is over I can honestly say Jacopo seemed like a warm, friendly person that genuinely cares about his customers and the Palio. You are in good hands with Jacopo. I highly recommend him.
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jet15126880800
Manosque, France10 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Thanks to Jacopo Della Torre. Thanks to it this particular Palio 2024 will remain forever an unforgettable moment. We experienced this incredible event before, during and after with the Sienese. We were really well placed. For those planning to see the Palio de Siena, go ahead and book with Jacopo with confidence, it's very serious
Automatically translated
Written July 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R V
Garden Grove, CA2 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
We didn't pay the 250-Eur for seats and went to the infield. They kept one entrance open until 6:20. Then you had to stay until after the race. It had been rained out for two days prior, so it wasn't too crowded in the infield. Lot's of people but not too crazy. The way the Piazza is sloped, we were able to see the whole race from the Piazza. Glad we didn't spend all that money for seats.
Written July 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryan O
Cork21 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
July 2018. A bit late for a review but just to add to the positivity...it really lived up to my expectations. We stayed inside the walls - a bit expensive but well worth it for the experience. The practice run the day before was super. The atmosphere around the town was incredible. We stayed in the snail contrada. Brilliant. The build up was very cool. It is really genuine amongst the people of siena, not a tourist attraction. We were offered tickets for the dinner the night before by the hotel, we skipped it, thought we'd be out of place. Massive regret. But still exploring the city the night before was great nonetheless.
Written April 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Passingthru63
Melbourne, Australia128 contributions
Aug 2017
Jacopo also organised our seats which he failed to explain are very, very small. We paid over 1000 euros and the seat was so small my husband could not even sit in it and ended up leaving before the race even started. Everyone around me said the same. I have no complaints with the Palio or the seating - it is what it is - but Jacopo needs to tell people up front and clearly how small the seats are. GIVE MEASUREMENTS before you tell people the view is great and before they hand over 1200 euro in cash in an apartment up a few flights of stairs. He wasn't there when I took my cash and it was all a bit weird. Our very expensive seats were a joke. Yes, fantastic view, but I would have preferred to stand than be crushed like sardines and paying for this privilege. I noticed the VIP seats beside me did not have the metal seats so they were able to spread out a little but we were contained to our lap-top size metal cafe chair. It was like a cafe chair with arms that has been removed from the base legs and then placed on the benches. If we had of just sat on the benches it would have been much better, but I guess Jacopo would not have been able to sell as many tickets...? The Palio was wonderful and the buzz in the streets of Siena was unforgettable. I was more happy watching from my hotel balcony than the actual event because of the seats. I was lucky, I was there for the week which I have looked forward to for many years, so I was able to be part of the wonderful excitement of the Palio but those seats left a sour taste in my mouth.
Written October 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tripc
Chicago, IL286 contributions
I recently attended the Palio from August 13th-17th, 2007. I traveled alone and thought I would give my impressions on the big event. Although many other trial runs and things were going on during my stay in Siena, I decided to only attend the actual race. However, just being in the town, I saw contrade singing in the streets, flag throwers practicing, and witnessed the excitement building up to the race itself. The Palio is inescapable during this time...and that is a good thing!
On the actual day, August 16, I arrived at about 11 a.m. and there were only a few spots left along the fence in the Campo. If you're going for free like me, you should probably do this as it would be hard to see the race otherwise. Make sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks. A hat is a must! It is insanely hot down there and I felt a little faint at times and several people were carried off by paramedics. If you leave your spot, someone will take it, so if you do leave to get water, go to the bathroom, etc. make sure whoever you are with guards your spot...About 30 minutes before the procession begins, they close off the Campo, so make sure to go to the restroom before this.
At about 4:30 p.m., the procession begins and lasts for about 2 hours. This is really cool. Each contrade comes out in full Medieval/ Renaissance garb throwing flags, showing off their armor, and the racehorses are paraded around all to the sound of drums. It is not to be missed!
Finally, the race begins. The horses make three rounds, so make sure to have your camera ready. Most likely, a rider or two will fall off. This is apparently par for the course, so try to take it in stride (although it is really scary to see). Very exciting!
The 5 hour + wait is totally worth it! So, go for it. Or if you're a big spender, you can buy tickets for $500 or something like that. However, I have a feeling being in the Campo is more exciting!
After the race, find out where the winning contrade is located and go party with them. I did not actually do this, because it was so full, they had closed it off. But I have heard that if you can find the winning contrade and get in, free wine flows from giant barrels.
It is a truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and if you get the chance to be there, you should do it!
--A note on lodging, tickets, and contrade dinners...you must book way in advance as the Palio is an extremely popular event and people come from all over Italy and the world to see it. Ask your hotel for help with the contrade dinners...you may need to "know" someone to get into them as it seems to be a pretty close-knit affair. You can also try writing to the individual contrada for permission. I think they cost 70 Eu to attend.
On the actual day, August 16, I arrived at about 11 a.m. and there were only a few spots left along the fence in the Campo. If you're going for free like me, you should probably do this as it would be hard to see the race otherwise. Make sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks. A hat is a must! It is insanely hot down there and I felt a little faint at times and several people were carried off by paramedics. If you leave your spot, someone will take it, so if you do leave to get water, go to the bathroom, etc. make sure whoever you are with guards your spot...About 30 minutes before the procession begins, they close off the Campo, so make sure to go to the restroom before this.
At about 4:30 p.m., the procession begins and lasts for about 2 hours. This is really cool. Each contrade comes out in full Medieval/ Renaissance garb throwing flags, showing off their armor, and the racehorses are paraded around all to the sound of drums. It is not to be missed!
Finally, the race begins. The horses make three rounds, so make sure to have your camera ready. Most likely, a rider or two will fall off. This is apparently par for the course, so try to take it in stride (although it is really scary to see). Very exciting!
The 5 hour + wait is totally worth it! So, go for it. Or if you're a big spender, you can buy tickets for $500 or something like that. However, I have a feeling being in the Campo is more exciting!
After the race, find out where the winning contrade is located and go party with them. I did not actually do this, because it was so full, they had closed it off. But I have heard that if you can find the winning contrade and get in, free wine flows from giant barrels.
It is a truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and if you get the chance to be there, you should do it!
--A note on lodging, tickets, and contrade dinners...you must book way in advance as the Palio is an extremely popular event and people come from all over Italy and the world to see it. Ask your hotel for help with the contrade dinners...you may need to "know" someone to get into them as it seems to be a pretty close-knit affair. You can also try writing to the individual contrada for permission. I think they cost 70 Eu to attend.
Written August 23, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where is a reputable place to buy balcony tickets for the Palio?
Written May 4, 2023
Buongiorno dove è possibile comprare i biglietti per il palio?
Written February 28, 2023
HI - How can one book tickets to one of the dinners in a Contrade the night before
the race?
Written August 6, 2019
Would you happen to have the contact details for the rooftop seating?
Thanks for your help
Written May 20, 2019
How do we rent a window to view the race?
Written May 22, 2017
The seats should be about 500 to 600 euro for a good balcony with access to a bathroom and water, snacks etc. You should contact a local licensed tour guide. Make sure they are licensed. The good ones have relationships with the property owners. All the balconies are packed tight- that’s just how it is. It’s a premium event and every seat is valuable. These balcony seats are not for heavy people. Contact the tourist office and ask for a guide that has many years of experience and lives in or near Siena. Best to find one who can also get you into a contrada dinner - which is also an amazing experience. You have to wire your money in advance so the licensed part is important. If it rains the Palio is delayed to the next day so keep your plans flexible. You can’t get your money back. It’s the experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend it!
Written August 20, 2018
Hi, we have two kids 9 and 11 and an elderly grandfather...without buying expensive tickets, is it possible to enjoy the atmosphere of Il Palio in some way without staking out spots for an entire day in the hot sun? ARe there other areas and things/events to enjoy that day related to the event? Or is it the parade and race and you have to stake out your places for hours to get a look? What about restaurants? Must book to eat after races I suppose? Any recommendations/ideas are much appreciated. We are going in August.
Written May 23, 2016
Well, the Palio is free as long as you go in the centre of the square but as for places you will be lucky to see anything if you don't arrive at least a few hours early. The atmosphere is very hot and bustling so be careful and make sure you bring plenty of water. The crowd can be locked in the centre of the square for over 4 hours. As for restaurants, most of the locals have huge traditional meals after the race so they won't be in them but it would be prudent to reserve.
But don't let the conditions disuse you and really get into the spirit of the Palio by leaning as much as possible about this race before you go.
However if you think it'll be too much for the little ones I suggest going to one of to three 'prova' s which are basically the same thing but with less people.
Written August 21, 2016
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