Palio of the Contrade

Sept. 8-9

This horse race was first held on September 8, 1402 when the Republic of Siena ruled Castel del Piano. Thereafter the palio was held sporadically and became an annual event in 1968, but this start date makes it one of the oldest palii in Italy.

A "palio" is a banner or banner won during a traditional type of race or competition, in this case a very old horse race. The palio of Castel del Piano is run in honor of Our Lady of Grace, the town's patron saint.

The race is linked to a legend that dates back to 1430 and is said to have been inspired by four soldiers from Castel del Piano who fought in the Sienese army.

One day before a great battle, the four soldiers were praying when the Virgin Mary appeared to them, warning them of the imminent arrival of the enemy. Hearing her warning, the four soldiers took their icon of Our Lady and fled, hiding in a small chapel located just outside Castel del Piano.

In today's palio, the four soldiers are represented by the four contrade of Castel del Piano: Monumento, Poggio, Storte and Borgo. The race takes place in Piazza Garibaldi, whose shape traces the shell shape of Piazza del Campo in Siena. During the race the different contrade fight to seize the palio and bring it back to their part of the city. The team that succeeds wins.

But the Palio delle Contrade is not just about horse racing. There is also music and food, historical reenactments, parades of people in medieval costumes and storytelling. It is an opportunity for the entire city to come together and celebrate its heritage and traditions. There is simply no better time to experience the real Castel del Piano in all its ancient charm and beauty.

Palio of the Contrade

The race is linked to a legend that dates back to 1430 and is said to have been inspired by four soldiers from Castel del Piano who fought in the Sienese army.

One day before a great battle, the four soldiers were praying when the Virgin Mary appeared to them, warning them of the imminent arrival of the enemy. Hearing her warning, the four soldiers took their icon of Our Lady and fled, hiding in a small chapel located just outside Castel del Piano.

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