Book your reserved seat for one of the two dates of Siena’s Palio on July 2nd and August 16th.

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Overview

The Palio in Siena occurs twice each summer (July 2nd and August 16th). Unequaled in Italy, this 4 day festival has survived since the Middle Ages with little change.

Share in the excitement of the race by booking a reserved ticket that places you in the beautiful, shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the city's historic center where the race is run.

From any of our ticket locations you'll have a great view of the campo, first for the historical parade in which the costumed members of Siena's 17 Contrade (neighborhoods) parade through the campo along with their assigned horse and the sbandieratore (flag throwers) who launch their colorful flags into the air.

Then after the parade has concluded 10 of the 17 Contrada, with their horse and hired jockey, will enter the campo and make their way to starting line to prepare themselves for the calling of their randomly selected starting positions -- once they are in their proper position (and only then), the race can start with three laps around the campo; don't blink or you might miss it because this thrilling, bareback race lasts only 90 seconds!

For the citizens of Siena, the Palio is all about neighbourhood pride and rivalry, and it is the continuation of a centuries-old tradition associated with religion and honor. Who will prove victorious? Which lucky horse will be the town hero? Root for your favourite Contrada and absorb the rare atmosphere of Siena during its annual horse race!

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Additional Information

Choose your seat from one of 3 options for the 2019 race:

• Mossa seats: the area of the start/finish line (either in front or behind the actual start/finish line)
• Fonte Gaia seats: area as the horses leave the starting line
• Casato seats: the 2nd turn before returning to the starting line

Due to the nature of the event, tickets, once purchased cannot be refunded for any reason. Weather conditions are also excluded.

Visitors need to be in their seats by 4:00pm when the parade begins; the race itself starts around 7:00pm.

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