Anyone experienced the Palio in Siena? Please advise how to enjoy as much as possible of the celebration without the very expensive reserved seats. It's my birthday July 2. Is it worth splurging on ticket if I can find one?
Thank you!
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
1054 posts
I will be there for the August one. I was planning to go in the middle of the campo with the masses. Interested to see other people's comments about the seats.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
I can hardly wait to hear from more people who have experienced the Pallio first hand. I've been told by some to just enjoy all the events surrounding the Palio and then watch it on TV because it is a very rough experience standing with the crowd for four hours. Others have told me just as vehemently not to miss the experience no matter what! Tickets were quoted to me at 500 euros!
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1046 posts
It is not to be missed! I stand near the entrance to the Campo. There is a wooden gate that they close and VIPs are on top of it. If you try just a little you can find a spot and see the start and finish line right in front of you and more than half of the track. It's great if you don't like being crowded. My favorite place is halfway up the little hill and on the right side. Close access to the gelateria too!
Remember that everyday for several days leading up to the race there are trials, parades, and lots of flag throwers all over the place!
Posted by
Singapore
354 posts
I wouldn't mind returning to Siena for the Palio again! I think it's best to be in Siena for the few days leading up to race day, for a richer experience. There's the choosing of the horses, the trial races, feasts in the contrade, flag waving practices and processions, and people discussing it on the streets. The city gets super crowded though. If you don't like crowds, standing in the middle of the campo can be stressful, but it's free. Just remember that you'll be there for a few hours, it's the middle of summer, and there's no toilet....
Posted by
Alpharetta, ga, usa
83 posts
I attended the Palio 2 years ago around July. Fantastic! Get there early enough to see the parade of each neighborhood in costumes as they enter the arena. Arrived early to tour Sienna (greatest meat / cheese shop, I can't remember the name but had red curtains at the entrance). We did not pay to attend. We were in the center area (infield) of the race and found the 3 to 4 hours to be fun as we mingled and with people from various regions, countries and obviously from Sienna. It was festive after the race as restaurants had the race playing on TV over and over again. I would go! Do not take any glass bottles, plastic ok, be discreet if drinking.