Il Palio di Siena, il festival medievale più autentico e sentito in Italia. Le razze documentate data già nel 1232 e il formato moderno stabilito nel 17 ° secolo.

The Palio di Siena is a bi annual bareback horse race event happening in Siena’s civic square. ( 5th of July and 15th of August).

It was documented as early as 1232 and it came to its current form during the XVII century, when bullfighting was banned by the Grand Duke of Tuscany banned other forms of competitions, and in 1729, when the Princess Violante of Bavaria, acting as governor of Siena, established the current boundaries and number of Contrade, i.e. city districs.

The [division of Siena into contrade](https://toscana.uno/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Bandiere_delle_Contrade_1920x1280_T1b.jpg), each with its own identity, history, and rivalry, is a key element of the Palio and a reflection of how medieval cities were organized.

While many other similar races and medieval re-enactments exist in Italy, no other has maintained it uninterruptedly, nor has such a deeply rooted connection with the City.

The Contrade, outside of the Palio, still act as the center of social life in the City, providing welfare, supporting the local community and regular events that connect the inhabitants of the contrada.

Beautiful piece of our history

Featured in 007: Quantum of Solace [opening scene](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOcNWH6ctbk)