Experiencing the Palio di Siena

The Palio is more than just a horse race; it’s a fierce battle between Siena’s 17 contrade (districts), each represented by a horse and jockey. The race itself lasts just 90 seconds, but the intensity leading up to it is palpable for weeks. The city comes alive with elaborate parades, flag-throwing ceremonies, and vibrant celebrations where locals display unwavering loyalty to their contrada.

The race is held in Piazza del Campo, where tens of thousands gather to witness the action. But standing shoulder to shoulder in the summer heat isn’t exactly the ideal way to experience this event. That’s where Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco steps in—offering a once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience from an exclusive private residence.

Watch the Palio from a Countess’ Home

Guests staying at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, a luxurious Tuscan estate, gain access to one of the most coveted vantage points for the race—a private palazzo overlooking Piazza del Campo. This isn’t just any balcony; this is the home of a Sienese countess, a historic residence offering the best views of the race with butler service, wine, and canapes to boot -- all while avoiding the chaos of the packed square below.

Our in-house concierge can coordinate this experience with Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco.

More About the Palio

The Palio dates back to the Middle Ages, originally as a bareback horse race among the city’s contrade (districts). Over time, it became a symbol of Sienese pride and honor, with each of the 17 contrade fiercely representing their neighborhood and vying for victory. Today, the race consists of ten horses (only ten contrade compete in each Palio, on a rotating basis) thundering around the treacherous, sand-covered track encircling Piazza del Campo in a dramatic and often unpredictable battle.

But to truly understand the Palio, one must understand the contrade, their histories, and their rivalries.

Each contrada is a distinct community with its own church, museum, and traditions. Members, called contradaioli, are fiercely loyal, and allegiances are passed down through generations.

The 17 Contrade of Siena

1. Aquila (Eagle)

Symbol: Black eagle clutching a blue ribbon

Colors: Yellow, black, and blue

Motto: Unguibus et rostro (“With claws and beak”)

History: Historically associated with bankers and money changers, Aquila was home to the cathedral builders of Siena. It has a long-standing rivalry with Pantera.

2. Bruco (Caterpillar)

Symbol: A crowned green caterpillar

Colors: Yellow and green, with blue accents

Motto: Come rivoluzionario (“As a revolutionary”)

History: Known for its working-class origins, Bruco was home to wool workers and silk weavers. It has a strong patriotic spirit and once allowed commoners to hold government positions. Its main rival is Giraffa.

3. Chiocciola (Snail)

Symbol: A red snail

Colors: Yellow and red, with blue

Motto: Con lenta prudenza ogni minaccia disgrega (“With slow prudence, every threat dissolves”)

History: Traditionally representing pottery makers, Chiocciola has a strong rivalry with Tartuca. Interestingly, it is one of the few contrade that has a history of rejecting nobility in favor of commoners.

4. Civetta (Owl)

Symbol: A crowned owl

Colors: Red and black, with white

Motto: Vedo nella notte (“I see in the night”)

History: Associated with shoemakers and artisans, Civetta has a longstanding rivalry with Leocorno (Unicorn). Despite its symbol, the contrada was historically known as the “contrada of unlucky races” until it finally broke a long losing streak.

5. Drago (Dragon)

Symbol: A flying golden dragon

Colors: Red, green, and yellow

Motto: Il mio impero è nel cielo (“My empire is in the sky”)

History: Representing pharmacists and spice traders, Drago is considered one of the strongest competitors in the modern Palio and is one of the most respected contrade.

6. Giraffa (Giraffe)

Symbol: A crowned giraffe with a blue ribbon

Colors: White and red

Motto: L’alta fronte mostra orgoglio e valore (“The high forehead shows pride and valor”)

History: Historically representing painters and artists, Giraffa has a famous rivalry with Bruco and is one of the most internationally famous contrade due to its representation in New York City’s Italian-American community.

7. Istrice (Porcupine)

Symbol: A porcupine with arrows

Colors: White, red, and blue

Motto: Sol per difesa io pungo (“I sting only for defense”)

History: Representing blacksmiths and armorers, Istrice is one of the most fierce and defensive contrade, with a historic rivalry against Lupa.

8. Leocorno (Unicorn)

Symbol: A rearing unicorn

Colors: Orange, white, and blue

Motto: Fiede e risana al par (“It wounds and heals alike”)

History: Known for its connections to goldsmiths, Leocorno has a traditional rivalry with Civetta.

9. Lupa (She-Wolf)

Symbol: A she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus

Colors: Black and white, with red

Motto: Et urla di gioia (“And it howls with joy”)

History: Linked to bakers, Lupa is famous for being one of the most passionately supported contrade.

10. Nicchio (Seashell)

Symbol: A crowned seashell

Colors: Blue, yellow, and red

Motto: Vieni onda dal mare e nel campo ti distendi (“Come wave from the sea and spread across the field”)

History: Traditionally representing potters, Nicchio has an intense rivalry with Valdimontone.

11. Oca (Goose)

Symbol: A crowned goose with a blue ribbon

Colors: Green and white, with red

Motto: Clangit ad arma (“It calls to arms”)

History: One of the most successful contrade in Palio history, Oca was associated with dyers and butchers.

12. Onda (Wave)

Symbol: A silver dolphin

Colors: White and blue

Motto: Il colore del cielo, la forza del mare (“The color of the sky, the strength of the sea”)

History: Traditionally linked to sailors, Onda is known for its rivalry with Torre.

13. Pantera (Panther)

Symbol: A leaping black panther

Colors: Red and blue

Motto: La Pantera ruggisce e il popolo si inchina (“The panther roars, and the people bow”)

History: Representing grocers and vintners, Pantera has a strong rivalry with Aquila.

14. Selva (Forest)

Symbol: A rhino among oak trees

Colors: Green and orange

Motto: Prima Selva e poi le altre (“First Selva, then the others”)

History: Historically tied to woodworkers and sculptors, Selva is known for its aggressive racing tactics.

15. Tartuca (Tortoise)

Symbol: A tortoise with laurel

Colors: Yellow and blue

Motto: Forza e costanza (“Strength and perseverance”)

History: Traditionally linked to sculptors, Tartuca has a fierce rivalry with Chiocciola.

16. Torre (Tower)

Symbol: An elephant with a tower

Colors: Red, white, and blue

Motto: Torre ha la forza e la potenza di un grande elefante (“Torre has the strength and power of a great elephant”)

History: Associated with wool merchants, Torre has a historic enmity with Onda.

17. Valdimontone (Ram)

Symbol: A golden ram

Colors: Red and yellow

Motto: Cor magis tibi Sena pandit (“Siena opens its heart to you”)

History: Once linked to dyers and tanners, Valdimontone has an intense rivalry with Nicchio.

Each Palio victory brings eternal glory, ensuring the passion and rivalries of the contrade will continue for generations.

The Meaning of “Palio”

The word “Palio” comes from the Latin term “pallium,” meaning a cloth or banner. In the Middle Ages, the term was used to describe a prized silk or velvet banner awarded to the winner of competitive events, particularly religious festivals and horse races. Over time, the name became synonymous with the race itself, as the Palio di Siena evolved into a highly structured competition among Siena’s contrade (districts).

In the Palio di Siena, the prize is a hand-painted silk banner, also called the Drappellone or simply the Palio. Each Palio banner is uniquely designed by a different artist for every race, often incorporating religious symbols, Sienese history, and the Virgin Mary, to whom the event is dedicated.

Beyond its literal meaning, the Palio represents the pride, honor, and historical identity of Siena. Winning the Palio is not about monetary gain—it is about securing eternal glory for one’s contrada, strengthening its legacy, traditions, and community bonds. The celebrations following a victory can last weeks or even months, with contradaioli (contrada members) proudly displaying the Palio banner as a symbol of their triumph.

For the people of Siena, the Palio is not just a race—it is a way of life, a centuries-old tradition that defines their city’s soul.