Where the Palio truly begins: in the anticipation, the traditions, and the shared emotions that lead up to race day.
In the days before the Palio di Siena, the city begins to change. About four days before the race, things become serious. Horses are assigned, alliances are formed, and each contrada enters a rhythm that has been repeated for centuries. What follows is a sequence of rituals, gatherings, and moments that mark the true beginning of the Palio.
This is the heart of the Palio: lived, not observed. It’s not something you can stumble upon or access from the outside. It requires trust, presence, and local knowledge built over time. This is where we come in, taking you inside these days, these traditions, and these emotions, in a way that simply isn’t possible without being part of the city itself.
If you’d like to take part in these traditions, get in touch with us and we’ll make it happen.
Some highlights from the Palio di Siena
Palio: Form the Piazza
An exclusive way to experience the race itself, from a private apartment overlooking the piazza