Submitted by Sabrina Bellantoni on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Italy sponsored by the Department of History…
On Tuesday, 1/14, my program and I had the opportunity to take a day excursion to Siena! We witnessed Siena’s beautiful scenery and all it encompassed. One historic area we saw was the Piazza del Campo. We learned that twice a year the city of Siena holds these traditional horse races within the plaza. These are known as Palio di Siena and are moments of pride for Siena. Ten horses and riders represent the ten out of seventeen contrades within Siena. These races are a huge attraction for Siena and something the city is always looking forward to. It was great to learn about a traditional custom in Siena and its importance to the city!