Sienna, Piazza del Campo - Italy

Sienna is a historic city in Tuscany, in central Italy. It is located about 70 km south of Florence and has about 50,000 inhabitants. Sienna is a popular tourist town and an important cultural center. Sienna is also home to one of Italy's oldest universities, the Università di Siena, founded in 1240. Sienna is perhaps best known for its beautiful square, Piazza del Campo, which is shaped like a half of a seashell.

Attractions in Sienna include Palazzo Publico – the medieval town hall, built between 1297 and 1310, at Piazza del Campo (on the right in the camera image). Torre del Mangia – the tower next to Palazzo Publico (also on the right in the camera image), an approximately 102-meter-high tower with a fantastic view of Sienna. The tower was built as part of the town hall and served both as a lookout tower and as a symbol of the city's independence and strength. Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) – one of Italy's most beautiful cathedrals, with a black and white marble facade and art by Michelangelo and Donatello, among others.

Twice a summer, the world-famous Palio di Siena is held in Piazza del Campo, a dramatic and colourful horse race between the city's different districts. It is not just a race, but a huge public festival and an important part of the city's identity. The Palio is one of the oldest and most spectacular races in Europe and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Before the race, the Piazza del Campo is filled with packed sand. The square is surrounded by thousands of spectators who follow the race with excitement. 10 riders, representing 10 of Siena's 17 districts (known as "contrade"), take part in the race. Each contrada has its own colours, symbols and flags. The horses run three laps around the square, which takes around 90 seconds - it is very intense and dramatic. The horses are ridden bareback, and sometimes riders fall off - but the horse can still win the race if it finishes first. Il Palio is more than just a race – it is weeks of celebrations, competitions, parades and traditions. Each contrada has its own history, church, museum and festivities. In the days leading up to Il Palio di Siena, there are ceremonial parades in historical costumes, drumming, flag bearers and religious blessings of the horses.

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