The Palio di Siena runs on two fixed dates every year, and 2027 is no different: 2 July (the Palio di Provenzano) and 16 August (the Palio dell’Assunta). Both races take place in the Piazza del Campo, the medieval shell-shaped square at the heart of the Tuscan city, where ten of Siena’s seventeen contrade (city districts) compete in a bareback horse race of approximately 75–90 seconds.
For travellers in Tuscany around either date, planning a visit around the Palio is worthwhile — but requires logistics sorted well in advance.
The Two Races
2 July 2027 — Palio di Provenzano The July race is dedicated to the Madonna of Provenzano, whose icon is processed through the city before the race. Festival days begin around 29 June with the official drawing of lots (the tratta), assigning horses to contrade. Trial races run across the Piazza on 30 June, 1 July, and on the morning of 2 July. The race itself typically starts around 19:00–19:30 on 2 July.
16 August 2027 — Palio dell’Assunta The August race is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Preparation follows the same structure: trial runs from 13–16 August, with the race starting at approximately 19:30–20:00 on the evening of 16 August, shortly after sunset.
Note: the actual start time is not fixed until the day before and can run later due to false starts or procedural issues.
Tickets and Access
The Campo (standing): The inner piazza is free and open to all. Gates open in the morning; the square fills progressively from mid-afternoon. Once inside, leaving and re-entering is not possible. Arriving by 14:00 for an evening race means several hours in position with no shade and limited water access — bring both.
Grandstand seats: Bleachers erected around the perimeter are sold through individual contrade and established ticket intermediaries. Prices for the 2027 races are typically in the range of €300–700 for a decent position. These sell out many months in advance and last-minute legitimate seats are rare.
Window and balcony viewings: Bars and restaurants around the Piazza offer private viewings from upper floors. These require reservations made many months ahead and typically include food and drink.
Getting to Siena
Siena has no direct high-speed rail connection. The fastest approach from Florence is a bus (SENA or Flixbus coach, approximately 75–90 minutes) or by regional train via Empoli (around 1h45m with one change). Buses depart from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station and are quicker than trains for this route.
From Rome, direct buses run to Siena in approximately 2.5–3 hours from Tiburtina station.
Driving is practical for visitors staying in the Tuscan countryside, but traffic around Siena during Palio days is severe. The historic centre is closed to non-resident vehicles during race week; park outside the walls and walk in.
What to Know Before You Go
The Palio is primarily a Sienese civic ritual, not a tourist event. Each contrada has centuries of loyalty, rivalry, and allegiance with its neighbours; jockey negotiations in the days before the race are conducted in earnest secrecy. The result matters deeply. Visitors who treat it as pageantry without engaging with its meaning will find it less rewarding than those who learn the contrade system in advance.
The evergreen Palio di Siena visitor guide on this site covers the full history, contrade structure, and all viewing options in detail.
For Siena tours and experiences — guided visits to the Piazza del Campo, the Duomo, and the Pinacoteca Nazionale — booking early ensures availability in peak Palio season. A wider Tuscany base pairs the Palio with Tuscany tours covering the Val d’Orcia, San Gimignano, and the wine country south of Siena.