What is there to do in Siena other than the Palio?
Siena is spectacular before, during and after the Palio. Italians are fond of saying that it has all the beauty of Florence, without the crowds. You can visit the city’s endless shops, museums, and cathedrals. The Duomo cathedral is particularly beautiful. Consider that Siena is also a Tuscan city so the restaurants, olive oil and wine are all excellent. What are “contrada” and “contrade?” The Italian word “Contrada” means “district” and “contrade” is the plural “districts.” There were originally between 40 and 50 contrade. In 1729, a royal decree reduced this number to the present 17. To the Siennese, their contrada is all-important. Babies are baptized, brides married, and funerals performed within the contrada. The palio race is but a culmination of The present contrade are Aquila (eagle), Bruco (caterpillar), Chiocciola (snail), Civetta (owl), Drago (dragon), Giraffa (giraffe), Istrice (porcupine), Leocorno (unicorn), Lupa (she-wolf), Nicchio (shell), Oca (goose), Onda (wave), Pant
