Hotel Palazzo Ravizza
Siena, Tuscany, Italy[0.6 miles]
With its old-fashioned atmosphere, central location and wonderful Italianate garden, three-star, aristocratic Palazzo Ravizza is a great base for exploring Siena.
Official star rating:
Bucket list experience:
Palio di Siena
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Credit Shutterstock.com/M. Rohana
Last updated: 08 November, 2022
The most famous bareback horserace in the world, Il Palio sees horses and riders galloping three times round Siena’s glorious, medieval Piazza del Campo.
Palio is a centuries-old settling of neighbourhood scores for the Sienese, and it defines the social, cultural and political fabric of the city each year. Each of the 17 contrade (neighbourhoods) enters a horse and jockey (although only 10 compete in each race) with the single objective to win by fair means or – occasionally – foul.
The race itself is over in a flash (an average of 75 seconds), but it’s preceded by several hours of processions and three days of pre-race trials and festivities. Each contrada holds its own festivities (al fresco dinners, the blessing of the horses in the contrada churches) in the three days leading up to the races.
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Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
Frequency: annually
When: 2 July & August 16
Duration: 3 hours
Getting there & doing it
The race and preceding procession are held in the Piazza del Campo. Three days of trials for the horses are also held here.
Spectators arrive in the morning for the best places in the piazza. Standing room in the piazza is free, but it can get extremely hot under the high summer sun, and also, with up to 60,000 people, claustrophobic. There are no bathrooms. No one under 12 years old is allowed to stand in the piazza for the race.
Private stands and balconies overlooking the Campo offer a more comfortable experience (albeit less authentic and pricey). However, all are privately owned, so either you are lucky enough to know the right people, or you need to book through a local operator that has insider contacts. This needs to be done months or even a year ahead.
The action begins in the late afternoon with a two-hour procession of drummers and flag-throwers.
When to do it
The Palio is held bi-annually, on July 2nd and August 16th.
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Borgo San Felice
Tuscany, Italy[12.9 miles]
A rambling luxe retreat set in a timeless Tuscan landscape of vineyards and olive groves; it’s also a working wine estate producing award-winning vintages.
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Castello di Spaltenna
Gaiole In Chianti SI, Tuscany, Italy[18.2 miles]
This impressive, beautifully restored castle lies in the heart of the Chianti Classico wine-producing area and offers easy access to Florence and Siena.
Official star rating:
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Casole D'Elsa SI, Tuscany, Italy[20 miles]
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Tuscany
Tuscany, Italy
The astonishingly beautiful region of Tuscany has it all: art cities and ancient hill towns, high mountains and long sandy beaches, alongside luxurious hotels and some of Italy’s best food and wine.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
A day in Siena
Siena, Tuscany, Italy[0.4 miles]
Arguably the most perfect medieval city in the world, Siena is a glorious ensemble of red brick buildings and exquisite monuments, famous for its fan-shaped Campo and Il Palio horse race.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Experience
Siena Market
Siena, Tuscany, Italy[0.6 miles]
Siena’s principal market, held each Wednesday morning, is one of the best in Tuscany. Stalls are set up at La Lizza, filling the streets around the Fortezza. Apart from excellent produce (cheeses, charcuterie, olive oil and wines, fruit and vegetables), you’ll find clothing, shoes, bags and household items.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
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