The Contrade of Siena: History, Symbols and Traditions
To truly understand Siena, it is not enough to admire its monuments or wander through its medieval streets: one must enter the world of the Contrade of Siena. The Contrade are the soul of the city, its most authentic and deeply rooted expression, where history, identity and everyday life have intertwined for centuries. They are the protagonists of the Palio di Siena, the historic horse race held in Piazza del Campo every 2 July and 16 August, but above all they represent a unique social and cultural system that lives 365 days a year.
Each Contrada is a community, with its own defined territory and a shared set of values passed down through generations.
Staying at Hotel Athena, in the heart of the historic centre, means being in the ideal position to begin this journey. All the Contrade are located within the city walls and can be reached on foot, forming a natural route to discover Siena neighbourhood by neighbourhood, slowly and with curiosity. Our staff is always available to suggest itineraries, Contrada museums to visit and lesser-known places, allowing guests to experience the city as the Sienese themselves do.
Ancient Origins: The History of the Contrade of Siena
There is no single, certain date marking the birth of the Contrade, but their origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when Siena was divided into Terzi, which were further subdivided into neighbourhoods inhabited by religious, lay and military groups. From these civic structures, increasingly organised communities likely developed over time, eventually becoming the Contrade we know today.
They are centuries-old institutions that have grown alongside the city, bearing witness to a history that combines defence, administration, religious devotion and social life. This makes the history of the Contrade a fundamental chapter in understanding Siena: it is not a reconstructed tradition, but a living reality that has crossed the centuries without interruption. Walking through the city, traces of this past can still be seen today in tabernacles, fountains, oratories and headquarters that reflect the deep bond between territory and community.
The 17 Contrade: Symbols, Colours and Identity in the Urban Fabric
The Contrade of Siena are seventeen in number, each with its own name, symbol, colours and history that make it instantly recognisable. Real or mythical animals, symbolic objects and legendary figures become visual signs that appear on buildings, flags, fountains and architectural details throughout the city.
Walking through Siena means crossing these invisible yet deeply felt boundaries, discovering how each Contrada has its own character, collective memory and unique way of telling its story. The Contrada Museums preserve an extraordinary artistic and historical heritage: costumes, banners, paintings and objects linked to the Palio and to community life. Visiting them offers access to an intimate dimension of the city, one that complements the experience of Siena’s major civic and religious museums.
Life in the Contrade Today: Beyond the Palio
Visitors often associate the Contrade solely with the Palio, but life within the Contrade extends far beyond the race. Throughout the year, they organise celebrations, communal dinners, cultural activities, charitable initiatives and social gatherings that involve all generations.
The Contrada Societies are everyday meeting places where people stop for a coffee, chat and nurture a strong sense of belonging. It is here that the true meaning of the Contrade of Siena becomes clear: they are not folklore, but living communities capable of uniting past and present. For visitors, this represents a rare privilege — observing a city that preserves its identity without turning it into a spectacle, but rather safeguarding it within daily life.
Siena Through the Contrade: A Different Way to Discover the City
Discovering Siena through the Contrade means changing perspective. The city is no longer just a collection of monuments, but a mosaic of neighbourhoods, each with its own soul. It is an invitation to walk without haste, to observe details, recognise symbols and read the city as a story made up of intertwined histories.
Hotel Athena, located in the historic centre, is the ideal base for this kind of experience. From here, guests can set out each day to discover a different Contrada, creating a personal and authentic itinerary. Our staff is ready to guide visitors along this path, offering suggestions and insights to experience Siena in the deepest possible way. Choosing to stay at Hotel Athena means selecting not only a privileged location, but also a way of discovering the city that goes beyond appearances and reaches its truest heart: that of the Contrade of Siena.