Crazy I know... but I can't wait to be there. While planning our trip (hubby and I) I realize I could make it work so that we would be in Siena around Il Palio. The trick is that we will have to drive from Cinque Terre that morning. It is a 3 hour drive (maybe less) but we would like to have breakfast before leaving (they serve a very complete breakfast at the Hotel and it would save us some money). So we can probably get to Siena by noon and park there but ideally we would like to drop our bags at our Hotel (well it is an Agriturismo about 20 min., by car, up in the hills) before (that would probably delay us by about an hour). Any advice would be appreciated :) Also, is anyone else planning to be there? Maybe we can meet there! Note: There is a bus that stops right outside of our hotel but the last bus leaves Siena at 8 so it seems risky.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16595 posts
The Paliois actually a 4 day event that will start on August 13 and culminates with the race on the 16th. Try to be in town at least by 3pm. That's when the blessing of the horse and jockey occurs followed by the procession and the sbandieratori show in piazza del Duomo. The race starts at 7pm.
Parking may be a issue (that's why I always went with my motorcycle). There are a lot of parking lots near the stadium, try there. Follow the signs to the stadium (often with a soccer ball symbol).
Posted by
OP
Madison, WI
34 posts
I am planning to park in the San Francesco lot since I would be coming from the north of Siena... the Agriturismo where I am staying is on SP102. Does anyone know if planning to get to Piazza del Campo at 1 pm is too late?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16595 posts
I've gotten inside the Campo just minutes before the close the passage (which is on the side of the Palazzo Pubblico) shortly before the start of the race. 1pm will be fine. But first you should look if you can get to some blessings in the contradas' churches. It's hard to get in though. Also look at the parade along the streets. I don't know if I could take 6 hours of waiting in the campo on a sunny day.