The contrade of Siena are 17 historic districts that form the heart of the city’s identity, each with its own symbol, colors, and traditions. Originally established in the Middle Ages as military and administrative divisions, they have evolved into deep-rooted communities that foster local pride. Twice a year, the contrade compete in the famous Palio di Siena, a thrilling bareback horse race held in Piazza del Campo. The rivalry is fierce, but the sense of belonging and tradition runs even deeper, with each contrada hosting events, festivals, and gatherings year-round. Whether you’re visiting during the Palio or simply exploring Siena’s streets, learning about the contrade adds an extra layer of meaning to the city’s unique character.
The Contrade of Siena
City: Siena
Region: Tuscany
About the Region:
Tuscany is one of those rare places that lives up to every dream you’ve ever had of Italy. Imagine soft, rolling hills blanketed with olive groves and vineyards, medieval hill towns perched like time capsules, and Renaissance cities brimming with art and culture. This region offers a magical balance between breathtaking natural landscapes and centuries of human history that feels alive at every turn.
Florence, the jewel of Tuscany, is a must for lovers of art, boasting masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and da Vinci. But Tuscany is more than Florence — it’s Siena’s Gothic streets, Pisa’s famous leaning tower, and the walled town of Lucca where you can bike along ancient ramparts. Wander through tiny villages like Pienza or San Gimignano, where cobbled alleys open up to piazzas lined with trattorias serving hearty ribollita soup, pecorino cheese, and robust Chianti wine.
Wine is reason enough to visit: Tuscany’s vineyards produce some of the world’s most celebrated reds. Spend an afternoon touring a family-run winery in Chianti or Montepulciano, tasting wine under the Tuscan sun. For nature lovers, the Val d’Orcia’s golden fields and cypress-lined lanes feel like stepping into a Renaissance painting.
Above all, Tuscany invites you to slow down. Days here are best spent savoring long lunches, lingering over a glass of wine at sunset, and soaking in thermal baths surrounded by forested hills. Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, or simply in need of beauty and tranquility, Tuscany will capture your heart forever.