The Italians’ factional tendencies can be seen in all their swaggering glory at Il Palio, a bareback horse race that last for about a minute and a half.
Photo © Getty Images/Awakening
Location
Il Campo, Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Dates
2nd July and 16th August each year
Description
During the short bareback dash around central
The crazy gleam in the mares’ eyes is reflected in the
The displays of loyalty are as much of a spectacle as the race itself. The horses are blessed in the
Level of Participation
3 – lay a bet and smell the nervous sweat.
Essentials
Get there four hours before the race starts for a place near the rails, or watch the warm-ups on previous days.
Other Local Attractions
A World Heritage site, Gothic Siena also makes a great base for touring the medieval Tuscan towns of San Gimignano and Volterra.
More Info: Il Palio Website in English; Siena Tourist Information
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