Untold Italy · Wednesday, July 1, 2026
The article details how to experience Siena's Palio, recommending the free trial runs held in the days leading up to the race for a less crowded and more accessible taste of the event. It also describes the traditional Contrada dinners on the eve of the race and the logistical challenges of attending the actual race in the Piazza del Campo, including the need to arrive very early for free spots or booking expensive grandstand seats well in advance.
“If you want a taste of the plio without committing to many hours standing in the sun, this could be your move.”
“On the morning of the race, there is a final trial called the provat. Mass is held for the jockeys in the early afternoon in each competing contrata's own church. The horse for the contrata is let inside and blessed by the priest.”
“You really want to be inside by five pm, but I would say actually much earlier, which means at least two to three hours on your feet in the sun before the race even starts.”