Has anyone ever been? We will be in Florence during this horse race and were wondering how crowded it might be or difficult to find parking (we have a car). My daughter is obsessed with horses so this might be kind of spectacular for her to see...
Thanks
I'm not sure I'd even think about driving there. Perhaps take the train from Florence?
It is, literally, like Times Square on New Years Eve. Immovable crowds, inaccessible bathrooms unless you pay for a (sold out) seat in a balcony or a restaurant. Physically impossible to "leave early." Gridlock everywhere.
If you want to actually see any of the race I recommend searching for folks with balconies overlooking the plaza. I know some will rent out views as friends have done so.
If you’re serious about it, I would stay overnight there at least the day before. The train and bus from Florence will be full, otherwise.
If you don't want to deal with the traffic and the parking problem in Siena, you can stop at Poggibonsi along the freeway, park at the multi-story parking lot at the Poggibonsi station, then take the train in. From Poggibonsi to Siena it's about 25 min train journey and there is a train every half hour till past 11pm.
Lots of great information - thank you! I feel like it would be fun just to be there and feel the energy, but we will play it by ear. The suggestion to drive to the stop that is 25 min away on the train is a good one, but I wonder if we can even get on if the trains are packed?
The Poggibonsi station Parking is located below (see Google Maps link).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dERSgLXMbPdpCp7M8?g_st=ic
I don’t think trains will be so packed that you can’t get on, at most there will be no seats available and you’ll have to stand. The worst the trains to Siena have been on a Palio day is this
Yes, you will feel the energy in Siena during the days of the Palio. We were there last July and it is a spectacular event. The only way you will see the race is either to buy tickets (if you can find them) or by being in the center of the Campo (think Time Square). The ticket prices are set by the owners of the bleachers. We were able to get our tickets for 300 euros each, but some were asking up to 600 euros. If you would like to see the horses, but not attend the race, the best time to see them all would be on June 29 at 12:00 pm or Aug. 13 at 1:00 pm when the drawing takes place in the Campo to assign the horses to a Contrada. Even if you do not see the race, the week leading up to the Palio is a very exciting time in Siena.
This website provides FAQ about the Palio. (You may translate it into English by right clicking on your mouse)
https://www.ilpalio.org/domande.htm
This website is by a travel writer who provides a good description of the Palio and Contrade.
https://www.thegeographicalcure.com/post/guide-to-the-palio-of-siena
This website provides the times of the events leading up to and including the Palio.
https://www.ilpalio.org/orari.htm
As a footnote, while I have not dared to actually be there during the madness that is the Palio, my Lovely-Partner-in-Crime and I were in Siena last September. While at dinner in the campo one evening, we spotted a small procession of people with musicians parading around the campo and off into the streets. We got right up with them and discovered that it was the winning contrada and their horse. One of those random encounters that no tour company can schedule, and all the more enjoyable for that very reason.
I have read elsewhere, going to the trial races in the days leading up to the official Palio may be worth it (less crowded) and we can get a feel for it. Especially the 9am trials. Has anyone done this?
