Explore Sovicille

Cetinale
Sovicille

Listed in Villas and Gardens of Tuscany, Cetinale is regarded as having one of the most beautiful gardens in all of Tuscany. Cetinale combines the 17th century style of a long western allée opening out to a natural amphitheatre at the base of the hill with a series of votive chapels and statues of hermits conceived by Cardinal Flavio Chig. A 19th-century "Italian garden" - box edged beds and lemons in pots - around the house, and a flower garden provide a very English look even in the midst of a hot Tuscan summer. If you cannot make an appointment, you should at least peer through the gates to see its beauty.

Tel: 0577 311147
Fax 0577 311061
Open by appointment only - please call the number above.

Explore Siena

Palio di Siena

Il Palio is an event following a medieval tradition, involving horses, jockeys and colorful banners. Il Palio di Siena takes place in Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy on July 2 and August 16, 2002. Il Palio is a horse race among ten of Siena's neighborhoods or Contradas. There are 17 Contradas in Siena, but only ten may compete in the Palio because of space constraints.

The event is spread out over four days, including three days of trials and the day of the race. The trials before the race usually take place in the morning. During the trials, horses are evaluated to determine how well they can perform in Piazza del Campo.

On the day of the race, Piazza del Campo in Siena is completely packed with local spectators and tourists. First, there is a 2-hour long historic parade featuring medieval costumes. Each Contrada has its own symbols and colors reflected in the wardrobe. An ox-driven carriage carries the Palio banner, which is awarded to the winner, into Piazza del Campo.

The race is scheduled to begin around 7 pm, but the actual start of the race can be delayed by the preparations. The race takes only 75 seconds - it is fast and dangerous for the jockeys and the horses. At the end of the race, the winning Contrada is presented with the Palio banner which represents a great honor. The winning Contrada then marches though Siena with the Palio banner.

Il Palio is an important event for the locals and there is a certain amount of tension during the four days. Piazza del Campo gets extremely crowded and spectators need to arrive hours in advance to be able to enter the enclosed area. Tourists can also visit the trials during the three days preceeding the Palio race.

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Poste Regie - Bed and Breakfast
68 Via della Montagnola
Ancaiano Sovicille, Siena Italy 53018
telephone: +39 349 475-4995
fax: +39 0577 4538