Live the Palio di Siena with Hotel Athena: Tradition, Comfort and a View
A few days remain until the Palio di Siena 2025, the first of the two annual events that transform the city into a truly unique place. The Palio is run twice a year, on July 2nd and August 16th, and draws thousands of visitors and curious travelers from around the world. But the Palio is not just a horse race: it is the most important manifestation of Sienese culture, a tradition that lives in the people, the districts (Contrade), the stones of the buildings, and the flags hanging in every alley.
If you are thinking of experiencing the Palio in Siena, the best advice we can give you is to stay right in the historic center, so you can enjoy the atmosphere and rituals of the Palio on foot and without stress. Hotel Athena, in the heart of Siena’s old town, just a few minutes’ walk from Piazza del Campo, is the ideal place to experience this event up close, with the convenience of a central hotel and the professionalism of a staff that knows the city like no one else.
The Palio of Siena: not just a horse race
The origins of the Palio date back to medieval times. In its current form, it has been held since the 17th century and is deeply connected to the city's devotion to the Madonna di Provenzano (celebrated on July 2nd) and the Madonna Assunta (on August 16th).
The real protagonists of the Palio are the 17 Contrade: each one is a small city within the city, with its own symbols, colors, oratory, and traditions. Only 10 Contrade run in each Palio — 7 of them automatically (those that did not run in the same edition the previous year), and 3 drawn by lot. The Palio is an intense ritual, filled with pride, rivalry, and celebration.
The days before the Palio
The days leading up to the Palio are the most intense for the city:
- the square is prepared with tufo (clay) track and wooden stands
- the draw of horses (la tratta) takes place, assigning horses to each Contrada
- there are six official trial runs, two per day
- each Contrada hosts its traditional dinner in the open air
- the horses are blessed in the oratories
- on the morning of the Palio, the jockeys attend Mass in Piazza del Campo
- the Historical Parade (Corteo Storico) begins in the afternoon with over 600 costumed participants
Around 7:30 PM, the Palio race begins. The jockeys ride bareback, and the horses run three laps around the square. The winner is the first horse to cross the finish line — even without a rider.
How to watch the Palio
You can watch the Palio for free from the center of Piazza del Campo, but there are no seats and you need to arrive well in advance. Alternatively, you can book:
- wooden bleacher seats around the square
- windows or balconies in private residences or buildings overlooking the square
There is no official ticketing office, so it is important to use reliable agencies or trusted contacts. Be wary of unofficial websites or last-minute online offers.
If you want to enjoy the Palio stress-free, the best option is to stay in a hotel in Siena’s historic center, allowing you to reach everything on foot and soak up the full experience.
Stay at Hotel Athena during the Palio
Hotel Athena is located within the city walls, just a 9-minute walk from Piazza del Campo. It’s a quiet and strategic location — perfect for enjoying the Palio festivities while also relaxing in peace when the day ends.
The hotel offers:
- spacious, quiet rooms
- free private parking, a rare service in the center of Siena
- a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside
- Mangia Restaurant, serving traditional Sienese cuisine
- a helpful and multilingual staff
Book your hotel in Siena for the Palio now
The Palio is the most anticipated event of the year, and rooms in the center sell out quickly. If you're wondering where to stay in Siena during the Palio, Hotel Athena offers the perfect combination of location, comfort, and local insight.
Book now on our official website and get ready to experience Siena's Palio like a true insider.
