Description

This fun tour is suitable for families with children who want to learn more about the tradition of the Palio through play. With the help of your guide, children can challenge themselves by trying to recognize the greatest number of contrade coats of arms, with their very different animals, from the Panther to the Caterpillar, the Dragon to the Snail, the Porcupine and many others that you will discover. You’ll hear about rivalries and alliances, how a horse is blessed in church, or how long the celebration of a victory lasts. Children will be able to learn how to play ‘barberi’, a traditional Sienese game with wooden balls with the colors of the contrade. You will get an inside look at the fascinating world of the contrade, visit the museum and the church of one of them, where real works of art are kept together with relics linked to the history of the ‘contradaiola’ (participants), the drums, the flags and the ‘drappelloni’ (sashes), won over the centuries. You will learn about the importance of the ‘contradaiolo’ baptism in Siena and where it takes place. Finally you will reach Piazza del Campo where your guide will reveal all kinds of secrets and interesting facts about the race.

Highlights