Siena - Piazza del Campo

The weather improved - a little bit...

At least we could now see the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. This is the site for the tradional / medieval Palio di Siena, a horse race, run around the Piazza twice each year. The race is believed to be one of the toughest worldwide, the jockeys ride bareback and the bends are treacherous.

Seventeen "Contrade" (neighbourhoods) vie for the Palio, a painted banner bearing an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSF9kZ32HnY

Seen in the back is the campanile and the dome of the Duomo di Siena.