Siena Italy: The Soul on Horseback – Through the Palio and Tradition
The world-famous horse race takes place just in front of the Palazzo Pubblico, Siena’s town hall, with its soaring Torre del Mangia. This tower was built not only as one of the tallest secular structures in medieval Italy (102 m / 335 ft), but also to match the height of Siena Cathedral — a deliberate symbol of the equal power of church and state.
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Ten horses and jockeys riding bareback represent ten of Siena’s seventeen city wards. The race showcases the rivalry remaining between the city’s wards. In preparation for the event, a layer of earth is laid over the surface of the Piazza del Campo to create the racetrack. On the day itself, jockeys and horses compete in a dramatic three-lap race around the square. The race is short — often under 90 seconds — and rarely without drama. During the fast-paced and hazardous race, horses sometimes throw their riders. Nonetheless, the winner is the horse that crosses the finish line first — with or without a jockey.
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The origin of the Palio race goes back to medieval times. Preceding the current horseback races, in olden times, bullfights and donkey races took place on the plaza.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Photo: Travel In Culture
The vaguely sloping Piazza del Campo is regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in all of Italy due to its architecture, specific shell-shaped form, the adjacent, stunning Palazzo Pubblico and the fine bell tower. Moreover, the paving on the square is divided into nine segments to represent the Governo dei Nove, the rule of The Nine who laid out the campo and governed Siena in its medieval heyday. The Palazzo Pubblico is still today home to the city’s local government. As a focal point, 11 narrow streets radiate into the old Siena city from the plaza.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Siena Italy images | Photo: Travel In Culture
Photo: Travel In Culture
Il Duomo, Siena Cathedral from the 12th century, is a masterpiece of Romanessque-Gothic architecture. The massive dome rises from a hexagonal base. The Cathedral has a dome and a bell tower constructed of white and greenish-black marble in stripes (and with the addition of red marble on the cathedral façade).
Photo: Travel In Culture
Photo: Travel In Culture
Black and white symbolise the black and white horses of the legendary city’s founders, Senius and Aschius. Siena is said to have been founded by the duo Senius and Aschius, who were sons of Remus (brother to Romulus – the two brothers being the mythical founders of Rome). Therefore Siena’s emblem is the wolf, which suckled the two brothers.
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Originally, Siena Cathedral was projected as the largest basilica in Italy and the world. However, due to the lack of funding, the construction shrank. Nevertheless, it is still absolutely impressive and offers a magnificent view of the city when you climb the stairs. Moreover, the Cathedral features an octagonal pulpit with lion pedestals from the 13th century.
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Italy Siena | Photo: Travel In Culture
When you stroll around in Siena, the colours are generally vivid and warm, pastel and cream with shades of brown, orange and yellow.
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Photos of Siena Italy | Photo: Travel In Culture
Siena is renowned for its narrow streets flanked by impressive brick buildings of medieval character. People used to live in – and across the narrow streets. Today, all the original structures unarguably contribute to the charm of Siena!
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The ambience will take you back to a bygone era when the Sienese used the Piazza del Campo as an active marketplace and location for gatherings like significant political events and other celebrations.
What is Siena Italy known for in particular? Its medieval cityscape makes Siena one of the most picturesque, authentic cities in Italy – and even the world – could visit. The city receives several hundred visitors every year!
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Siena Italy: A Journey Through the Palio and Tradition
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Siena Italy: A Journey Through the Palio and Tradition
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