Sienahas a rich history dating back to its days as an independent republic, the red clay hills from which its dramatic ramparts rise gave name to the colour 'burnt sienna'.

The focal point of the city is the spectacular Piazza del Campo, where the Palio della Contrade is staged twice a year. In this spectacular race, ten horses and riders, dressed in the appropriate colours, represent ten of the seventeen Contrade, or city wards. The race itself, in which the jockeys ride bareback, involves circling the Piazza del Campo, on which a thick layer of dirt has been laid, three times and usually last no more than 90 seconds. The winner is awarded a banner of painted silk, or palio, which is newly created by a different artist for each race.

The whole square is amazingly fit for this manifestation because of its Roman amphiteatre shape, defined by the straight line of Palazzo Pubblico. The historical parade before the horse race is a lively display of rich medieval costumes, an event not to be missed for those visitors that are in tuscany in the summer time.