Untold Italy · Wednesday, July 1, 2026
The Palio di Siena, a historic bareback horse race held twice a year in Siena's Piazza del Campo, is explained in detail. The race is deeply connected to the city's seventeen contrade, or historic districts, each with its own identity, church, and traditions. The July 2nd edition, the Palio di Provenzano, is highlighted as a significant cultural event.
“What lasts around ninety seconds and takes over the entire city of Siena in Tuscany for four whole days. It's an historic horse race that's happening this Thursday, July the second Joo.”
“The contrade, which are the historic districts of Siena. There are actually seventeen contrada in total, each one a tiny world into itself, and only ten race in the Paleo, so the other seventeenth seven are guaranteed a place in the following year.”
“On this very special week of the race, each district is hanging out its flags, painting its emblem on the street lamps and gathering in its corner of the city.”