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The great date with the 17 contrade of the most famous Palio in Italy returns!
The Palio di Siena is a competition between the contrade (districts) of Siena in the form of an equestrian tournament of medieval origin. The “carriera”, as the race is traditionally called, normally takes place twice a year: on July 2nd the Palio in honour of the Madonna of Provenzano, and on August 16th the one in honour of the Madonna of the Assumption.
According to some sources, it was probably in memory of the memorable battle of Montaperti in 1260 (cited by the Supreme Poet Dante Alighieri in the 10th canto of Hell: “The havoc, the great massacre / that coloured Arbia in red”) and the escape from peril that the Sienese decided to convene the famous Palio.
Today the Palio is still one of the highest expressions of Italian and Tuscan tradition and gathers around itself the art, culture, food and wine that exalt the magnificence of this provincial capital.
The history of the Palio di Siena is, however, more articulated and complex and has its roots in an even more remote era. In the Italian cities of the 12th and 13th centuries it was customary to organise horse races, both as a public spectacle and as a competition between the various horse farms owned by noble and non-noble citizens.
Last year the magnificent banner of the Palio was won in the July 2nd edition by the contrada of the Drago, while in the Palio of the Assumption the winning contrada was that of the Civetta. This year the contrade that will take part in the July 2nd race are: Chiocciola (snail), Nicchio (shell), Oca (goose), Drago (dragon), Lupa (she-wolf), Istrice (porcupine), Valdimontone (ram). While the districts that will run on August 16th are Leocorno (unicorn), Pantera (panther), Civetta (owl), Drago, Tartuca (tortoise), Nicchio, Giraffa (giraffe) – who will enter the piazza in this order.
All that remains is to wait for the start of the event, preparing for the best and renting one of our villas near the City of the Palio.
SPEND YOUR HOLIDAY WITH US! RENT YOUR VILLA WITH EMMA VILLAS AND ENJOY IN PIAZZA DEL CAMPO THE MOST FAMOUS HISTORICAL COMPETITION IN ITALY!
Casa al Fiume (Tuscany – Terranova Bracciolini/Valdarno – Arezzo)
Casa al Fiume is a typical rural building, originally used as a barn for the main adjacent farmhouse, whose origins date back to the early 19th century. The recent renovation, conducted by the current owners according to the dictates of local tradition and in respect of the landscape and environmental features, has produced a welcoming refuge for nature lovers in its purest and simplest form.
Sleeps: 4+2
La Capanna di Franca (Tuscany – Sovicille – Siena)
La Capanna di Franca is an old barn which, in 2006, thanks to careful restoration that has enhanced the original architectural style, has been transformed into a cosy and comfortable country house.
Sleeps: 6+2
Casa Elia (Tuscany – San Casciano dei Bagni – Siena)
Casa Elia is a house that has been recently refurbished with materials of typical Tuscan tradition plus the best mod cons and an exclusive setting.
Sleeps: 4+2
Sleeps: 7+3
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