The Palio di Siena (pronounced [ˈpaːljo di ˈsjɛːna]; known locally simply as Il Palio; from Latin pallium) is a horse race held twice each year, on 2 July and 16 August, in Siena, Italy.
Our Story The original Palio was born in September of 1991, bringing a country-style, Italian restaurant featuring authentic dishes to downtown Ann Arbor. Named for the famous horse race that runs yearly through Siena, Italy, a record is even kept of the race’s winners on a mural along the back dining room wall.
The Palio di Siena is one of Tuscany’s most awaited summer events. Boasting centuries-old origins, Italy's most famous horse race takes place twice a year in piazza del Campo, Siena’s main medieval, shell-shaped square.
Palio di Siena: all the things you need to know - Visit Tuscany
What is the Palio? The Palio is the most important event in Siena, taking place on July 2 and August 16 every year. In the Palio, the various Sienese "contrade", or areas in which the city is divided, challenge each other in a passionate horse race in the heart of the city in the Piazza del Campo.
The Palio, festival of medieval origin conducted annually in certain Italian cities and featuring bareback horse races. Best known to foreigners is the Palio of Siena.
The Palio di Siena is a competition between the city’s seventeen Contrade (neighbourhoods) of very ancient origins. On this page, you will find all the information related to Siena’s great historical and religious events including secrets, trivia and anecdotes.
It’s perhaps Italy’s most famous annual sporting event. But Siena’s Palio is as much about pageantry, civic identity and Sienese pride as it is about a bareback horse race that lasts, on average, just seventy-five seconds. Held in honour of the Virgin Mary, the race takes place twice a year.