Event Details
Palio dell'Assunta – the world's most famous horse race
On Sunday, 16 August 2026, Piazza del Campo in Siena once again becomes Italy's most spectacular stage. The Palio dell'Assunta is the second of the two annual editions of this legendary race, run without interruption since 1633, and one of the most emotionally charged folk festivals in Europe. In fewer than 90 seconds, three laps on the track of tufa and clay determine glory or heartbreak for one of the ten competing contrade (city districts) of Siena.
The ten contrade in 2026
The following ten contrade will compete on 16 August 2026: Selva, Chiocciola, Oca, Nicchio, Lupa, Istrice, Torre (contrade with automatic entry) and Aquila, Onda and Giraffa (selected by draw on 5 July 2026). Horse and jockey are assigned to each contrada by lot shortly before the race.
Official Program
- 7:45 AM: Messa del Fantino (jockey's mass) in the chapel of Palazzo Pubblico
- 9:00 AM: Provaccia (final trial run) in Piazza del Campo
- 9:00 AM: Piazza del Campo opens to visitors (free standing area)
- 2:50 PM: First cannon shot as advance warning
- 3:20 PM: Second cannon shot as advance warning
- 4:00 PM: Benedizione del Cavallo (horse blessing in the contrada churches)
- 4:45 PM: Carabinieri on horseback parade
- 4:50 PM: Entry of the Corteo Storico with over 600 participants in medieval costume
- 5:45 PM: Last entry to the Piazza via Via Duprè closes
- 7:00 PM: Horses exit the Cortile del Podestà for the start of the Carriera (race)
Entry and Tickets
The central standing area of Piazza del Campo (the "Conchiglia") is completely free of charge and holds around 30,000 spectators. Gates open at 9:00 AM; the last entry via Via Duprè closes at 5:45 PM. For a good view, plan to be in position by 2:00 PM at the latest and expect to stand for several hours, partly in direct sun. Tribune seats and private balconies cost between €350 and €700 and must be booked months in advance through authorised agencies or directly with building owners. Children under 10 years of age are not admitted to the central piazza from 3:00 PM onward.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early: secure your free standing spot before 2:00 PM.
- Do not bring chairs, stools, tables or umbrellas onto the grounds.
- Bring sun cream, a hat and plenty of water; temperatures on the sun-exposed piazza regularly exceed 35 °C in August.
- Travel by bus or train; central Siena is largely closed to private vehicles.
- Book accommodation in Siena and the surrounding area several months in advance.
- The race itself lasts under 90 seconds, but the full day of ceremonies, corteo and celebrations fills the entire day.
- The winning contrada celebrates with communal banquets and processions that can last for several days.
Television Broadcast
The Palio di Siena is broadcast live on La7, with coverage starting at 5:10 PM, featuring Pierluigi Pardo as presenter and historian Giovanni Mazzini as commentator.
