Siena is magic; a jewel cast in the rolling hills of the southern part of the Tuscan region. It’s a city that glorifies its Medieval heritage, the period when it reached the peak of its splendor and was a prosperous and powerful independent republic. This is one of the reasons why its citizens twice a year magnify the Palio, the world famous Medieval horse race that takes place on the 2^ndof July and 16^thof August. The Palio is certainly renown internationally but very few people are aware that behind the scenes, Siena’s seventeen neighborhoods or Contrade that participate are seventeen active mini republics where each and every single member holds a role and are active all year round. Siena/Palio and Contrada are an inseparable trinity and a trip to Siena wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of them.

For this reason I invite you to come spend a couple hours in the headquarters of my Noble Contrada del Bruco (Caterpillar) . I have the pleasure to open the private rooms of the “società” and show you the medieval costumes we wear on special occasions, the Palio’s we have conquered over the centuries, put in plain words how the Contrada functions and of course show you some very touching images that are evidence of the emotions and passions the people of Siena live during the days that lead to the Palio event. The Contrada has granted me with this opportunity, and thus am equally honoured and eager to share this experience with you.