The Palio Experience

Upon your arrival in Siena, the path winds through narrow medieval streets that twist their way up toward Piazza del Campo—the unmistakable shell-shaped square that holds the very soul of the city.
The red bricks shimmer under the afternoon sun, and in every corner, a sense of anticipation can be felt: today, Siena lives and breathes for the Palio.

The streets fill with historic parades, featuring participants dressed in sumptuous medieval costumes. Banners and colorful flags dance in the wind as centuries of tradition merge into a single, unrepeatable day.

Palazzo Chigi Zondadari welcomes you—an ancient noble residence overlooking the square. An elegant aperitif in the courtyard sets the tone for the grand event before you take your seats in the private stands: from here, the very heart of the race unfolds before your eyes.
Below, drums resound, flags wave, and the excitement of the crowd grows until it becomes a single collective heartbeat.

When the decisive moment arrives, a solemn silence falls over the square. The horses, proud and restless, line up at the start. Then, in an instant, the stillness breaks: hooves strike the packed earth, voices erupt in a chorus of passion, and the Palio ignites in a whirlwind of color and emotion.

Three intense laps around the square decide the winner.
The triumphant contrada bursts into uncontainable joy: its people flood the streets, singing, embracing, and gathering in their neighborhood church to give thanks.
In the air remain the sound of drums, laughter, and the pure, contagious euphoria of victory.