The Palio of Siena with a Small Group
Twice a summer, on 2 July and 16 August, ten of Siena's 17 contrade race three bareback laps of Piazza del Campo. The city builds up to each race for days, and a small group can share in that build-up.
The days around the race
Horses are allotted to the contrade three days before, in the morning of 29 June or 13 August, and six trial runs follow over the mornings and evenings. On the day itself, over 600 costumed figures walk in the Corteo Storico, leaving Piazza del Duomo early in the afternoon and reaching the Campo before the race begins in the evening.
The race can move to the following day, as it did in July 2026, when it was run on 3 July. Keep the next day free if you can.
Getting in and out of Siena
Every tourist bus needs a permit to enter Siena's limited-traffic zone, sold online or at the check point at Il Fagiolone, the coach park where buses wait. Passengers board and step down only at the designated stopping places. Nothing specific is published for vehicles on race days, and the centre fills up and closes, so the operator confirms where your driver sets you down and collects you.
Some groups stay at a farmhouse in the Chianti countryside and come in for the day. With a race in the evening, the return is late: a driver's day has legal limits, so mention the full timetable when you ask for a quote.
Dates and places
- Piazza del Campo, Siena
- 2 July and 16 August 2027 (the race is held on these two dates every year)
In the square
The centre of the Campo is free to enter but shuts once full. Places in the stands (palchi) or at a window come from whoever owns them; there is no central box office. The Comune sets the rules for each day; in 2026 children under 10 could not enter the centre, even with an adult, and glass, metal containers, alcohol, chairs and stools were banned.
What travellers ask us
Can young children come into the square?
In 2026 the Comune's rules kept under-10s out of the centre of the Campo. The 2027 rules come out nearer the date, so check them before you plan the day with children.
Which airport is closest to Siena?
Florence's airport. It is roughly 87 km by road to the Campo, about an hour and three-quarters.
Do we need a ticket for the Palio?
Standing in the centre of the square is free until it fills. Stand and window places are bought directly from their owners.