Hotel Villa Piccola, Siena

Advantages: Best city to be at
Disadvantages: None

...I lost my heart in Siena (several times and in different meanings (Luigi and Giulia should know)) ;-) And so I have to go back there as often as I can trying to find it. I found so many friends in Siena and I consider some of them my best friends (hi to Luigi, Stefano, Michele and Michele, Pippo, Giulia, Paola (un bacione), and many more). But enough about that. I recommend to go to Siena in autumn, and to stay on the countryside. In the hunting season it's the best place to be at. Of course there is also the Palio, which, if I had a last wish before I die would like to see a last time. If you go there, pretend not to be a tourist. Wear long trousers and a shirt, don't walk around the town like you walk on the beach and you will see that Senese people become very open-hearted. Go to Siena once, and you will always come back!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Il Palio is unique
Disadvantages: None

...I am a big fan of Siena and would recommend it to anyone going to Italy. If you can afford to go there during "Il palio", this is the best period. Il Palio is a horse race which happens twice a year in one of the old squares of the town. Each borough of the town competes against the others. These borroughs are called "cONTRADA" and come from the medieval past of the City, when it was very much divided. There is a lot of excitement, people from contradas prepare il palio for 6 months a year, and there are 2 of them. The contrada which wins gets absolutely crazy and they party all night long. People from Siena are also very friendly and lively. Go and see by yourself.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Amazing medieval horse race
Disadvantages: Felt like I was in the way of the locals

...The Palio has to be witnessed when you visit Siena, so always try and visit either on the 2nd of July or the 16th of August. I've no idea why they run this race twice in a year. It's an amazing horserace held in the Piazza del Campo in the heart of the medieval city. The horses are blessed inside the town's churches in the morning and then as people leave the churches the festivities begin. Around 12ish, all the younger members of the city's contrada's (boroughs) and the tourists, begin to pour into the middle of the square. 50,000 people fit in the centre so it's a good idea to get into this square as soon as you can to guarantee a good spot, unless you're lucky enough to get hold of a view from the balcony of a hotel in the square. During the afternoon the sounds of drums can be heard in the old medieval streets as each contrada... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful