The Palio: like something Tolkien would dream up after a few late-night drinks

The rider travels to Siena's chaotic cauldron for one of the world's great races

Giovanni Atzeni and Zio Frac (right) edge ahead of Jonatan Bartoletti and Viso d’Angelo in the Palio di SienaCredit: Alberto Pizzoli

The Palio di Siena has been run as it is now since 1701. It is staged twice a year, on July 2 and August 16. There are 17 contradas (parishes) in Siena, but only ten are represented in each individual Palio.

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"The Palio is dead!"

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Published on 9 July 2022inFeatures

Last updated 18:35, 29 July 2022

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