Extraordinary Palio di Siena: balcony seat and buffet

Have you heard the big news? After the Palio on 2nd July and 16th August, there will also be one in autumn! Yes, you heard it right, we are talking about the Extraordinary Palio of October 20th. A golden opportunity to plan an autumn getaway in Siena: the warm and pleasant autumn temperatures combined with the warm colors typical of this season will add extra charm to this wonderful city. But how can you get yourself ready to enjoy the extraordinary Palio of Siena? Simple: booking our experience 'Extraordinary Palio di Siena: Extraordinary Palio di Siena: balcony seat and buffet'! This will allow you, in fact, to watch the race comfortably seated on a terrace overlooking the Curve of San Martino. Everything will be made even more pleasant and comfortable by a series of options that should not be taken for granted when it comes to the Palio of Siena: the comfort of the bathroom at your disposal, a shaded courtyard, the terrace sheltered by a special curtain and even a delicious buffet to taste some of the local delicacies. Definitely better than the crowds and the hustle of the center of the Piazza, where, among other things, once you have entered it, you cannot leave until the end of the Palio! Are you thinking about it? Good but book quickly because seats are limited... do not miss this fantastic opportunity! 

After all, the extraordinary Palio, and this is self-explanatory, is a truly exceptional event. It is organized only in the case of particular recurrences as was the case, for example, in 1969 with the manned moon landing or in 2000 for the beginning of the new millennium. The Palio in 2018 will be dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the end of the 1st World War. Its running was decided by a vote which was attended by all the districts in which Siena is divided and which took place on 11th September. Once it was established that 10 districts voted in favour (the minimum for the Palio to be celebrated), a decision was made on the date. Since the celebrations of the She-wolf, the district that won the Palio in August, would have ended on October 13th, October 20th was the day chosen to run the 2018 Extraordinary Palio. How will it all take place? In the same way as all the other Palios, the only difference being the time of the year and the temperatures! But otherwise, all the events that characterize the day of the Palio of Siena will be the same: the Mass, the Blessing of the Jockey, the 'provaccia', the historical parade and finally the world’s most exciting horse race! 

Where will you then watch the Palio, if you book our experience? You will be comfortably seated in a very privileged position: the terrace of one of the ancient palaces overlooking the marvelous Piazza del Campo. This square has a characteristic shell shape that obviously characterizes the route of the race where there are curves, straight sections and areas with varying slopes. The path consists of a semi-circle with two sharp bends joined by a short straight section: these are the curves of San Martino and Casato. The Curve of San Martino is one of the best points from which to watch the Palio of Siena, since, especially in recent years, it is precisely here that the result of the race has often been determined. It is in fact a treacherous curve, downhill and located just before the Entrone, the entrance to the Palazzo Pubblico from which the horses enter Piazza del Campo. The horses get there at top speed and it is therefore a spot from where watching the Palio will leave you breathless and gasping for air! Sheer excitement! The race, in itself, takes just under a minute but we assure you that the atmosphere of the square and the feeling during the day are truly unique and incredible. This is because the Palio tells a story that is still alive and made of traditions, ancient rules and passionate rivalries between the districts. To understand the peculiarity of this race, which is anything but a simple horse race, just think of the 'mossa', ie the start moment. This in Siena doesn’t just boil down to 'ready, steady, go! The mossa, in fact, can last a very long time and as long as the 'mossiere' decides that the lining-up is correct. Suffice it to say that, for example in the Palio of July 2018, this procedure lasted for more than an hour! Best then to enjoy it while comfortably seated, don’t you think? From your position on the terrace on the first floor you will be able to watch in peace and tranquility this moment which, as you will see, has the whole square awed!

Before the horses enter the tufa-covered track, you will attend the awe-inspiring historical parade that precedes the race. It is a procession of enactors in colorful period costumes whose main attraction is represented by the Carroccio on which the 'drappellone' or 'cencio' is hoisted, this is the Palio which is carried in triumph by the winning contrada. 

To relish the true Siena spirit, your experience will also include a delicious buffet where you will taste some of the typical Tuscan delicacies. You will have both sweet and savory treats available to please all tastes. So, you will taste excellent Tuscan cold cuts and cheeses, delicious sauces and some traditional Siena cakes. Obviously, there will also be good wine to accompany the delicious snacks. 

What do you think, then? Will you be one of us? Shall we wait for you on the terrace? Do not waste time and get the chance to live a unique and unforgettable experience. The Palio you will watch has nothing to do with what you might see in videos or on television! It will be incredibly exciting to be in Piazza del Campo, to hear the crowd holding their breath, cheering, rejoicing or loudly protesting. So, choose which side to support and, to use a very appropriate expression: ‘get moving'!

Book your unforgettable experience on toscanainside.com to experience all the magic and adrenaline of the Extraordinary Palio 2018!