While thousands of tourists visit Florence on any given day, few detour to the Italian city’s lesser known neighbor just a day trip away.
Siena is a smaller version of Florence and, if you ask me, one that is more personable and far more peaceful–unless, of course, you happen to visit during the Palio. The Palio is a horse race that occurs in the town square twice a year, July 2 and August 16.
But it’s not just any horse race. Ten jockeys at a time, from various rival neighborhoods, blow around the converted square in a mad race for local bragging rights. 50,000 spectators cheer them on with a passion normally reserved for European soccer. And this being Italy, you can just imagine the wild times had by all.