If you will be in town and would like to watch a trial or the Palio from a medieval tower directly over the mossa (starting ropes), please send me an email here and we’ll make it happen! And yes, these photos were all taken from the tower; someone even spotted us up there from the Piazza del Campo (photo bottom left)!
Pricing will depend on which trial you attend; mornings are less than the evening trials, the Prova Generale the evening of the 15th is the most grand, and the Palio on the 16th is, well, the Palio!
Times for trials (le prove) and the Palio:
13 August: Prima Prova (first trial) at 19.15
14 August: Seconda Prova (second trial) at 9.00
14 August: Terza Prova (third trial) at 19.15
15 August: Quarta Prova (fourth trial) at 9.00
15 August: Prova Generale (Dress Rehearsal) at 19.15. The fifth trial is preceded by a procession of the Carabinieri (military police) in their historic uniforms on horseback. The Commander will then raise his/her sword, and all of the Carabinieri will charge around the Piazza (also with their swords raised) – quite spectacular indeed! Refreshments will also be served.
16 August: Provaccia (“ugly” trial) at 9.00. Remember, the horses cannot be changed, so this trial is usually quite tame as no one wants to risk injury. It’s a great opportunity to be in the Piazza as it’s also the least crowded of all the trials.
16 August: PALIO dell’ASSUNTA. The Historical Procession will enter the Piazza del Campo at 16.45, and the race will be run at 19.00. Refreshments will also be served throughout the afternoon.
Information: This is a medieval tower, so that means stairs, 3 flights’ worth, plus a few more to access the tower. Please email me if you would like to see a short video to help you get a better idea!
When you book, full payment or a deposit will be required, and you will receive an invitation with directions and timings (generally you should get to the trials 20-30 min before, and to the Palio from 16.45 onwards).
