Come and be an onlooker of one of Italy’s most exciting Palio events, the ‘Palio di Asti’. This thrilling annual horse racing event, held on the third Sunday in September is a feast for the eyes! Held in the city of Asti in the region of Piedmont in Northwest Italy, the Palio di Asti attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators from the local area as well as many tourists from far and wide.
For visitors wishing to stay in the area in anticipation of this glorious occasion, there are several lovely holiday villas in Portacomaro, close to the city of Asti.
This historic Palio dates back to the thirteenth century and since 1988, has taken place in the Piazza Alfieri where there is an unusual triangular track which is used to race around.
You will witness not only one, but four exhilarating races to determine the worthy victor representing their contrada. There are twenty one contrade in the Asti region.
For visitors wishing to stay in the area in anticipation of this glorious occasion, there are several lovely holiday villas in Portacomaro, close to the city of Asti.
This historic Palio dates back to the thirteenth century and since 1988, has taken place in the Piazza Alfieri where there is an unusual triangular track which is used to race around.
You will witness not only one, but four exhilarating races to determine the worthy victor representing their contrada. There are twenty one contrade in the Asti region.
There are three races held, each containing seven horses, and the three top finishers in each race are entered into the final race of nine contenders for the prize.
In the weeks leading up to the main Palio event, each contrada hosts lavish banquets, street festivals and play mischievous tricks on their rival contrade in the hope of winning the final race.
Watch these warriors fight each other off with their whips as they try to make the sharpest turn around the dangerous triangular corners. It’s quite normal for an unfortunate jockey to be thrown off his horse on the corners but he will be quite happy to suffer a few bruises as long as his horse goes on to win the race!
In the weeks leading up to the main Palio event, each contrada hosts lavish banquets, street festivals and play mischievous tricks on their rival contrade in the hope of winning the final race.
Watch these warriors fight each other off with their whips as they try to make the sharpest turn around the dangerous triangular corners. It’s quite normal for an unfortunate jockey to be thrown off his horse on the corners but he will be quite happy to suffer a few bruises as long as his horse goes on to win the race!
In Palio horse racing events, it’s not the jockey, but the horse who wins the prize for its lucky contrada so whether he’s ridden across the finishing line or not is irrelevant! The winner is then presented with the Palio which is crimson with a coat of arms of the city and has an image of Asti’s Patron Saint, San Secundus
If you wish to watch this adrenaline fuelled event from the seating placed around the triangular race track, tickets range from €21 to €85, depending on how good a view of the entire spectacle you desire. All other standing space within the Piazza Alfieri is free.
You can buy your ticket online or in one of the many Lottomatica receiving offices. If you prefer a traditional ticket office and are also looking for some more tourist information you can go to the "Asti Turismo" office in Piazza Alfieri 34 in Asti.
Read about more of the top palio events in Italy that are have to be witnessed to be believed! Or read about other fantastic festivals in Italy that are also worth a visit on your next thrilling vacation here!
If you wish to watch this adrenaline fuelled event from the seating placed around the triangular race track, tickets range from €21 to €85, depending on how good a view of the entire spectacle you desire. All other standing space within the Piazza Alfieri is free.
You can buy your ticket online or in one of the many Lottomatica receiving offices. If you prefer a traditional ticket office and are also looking for some more tourist information you can go to the "Asti Turismo" office in Piazza Alfieri 34 in Asti.
Read about more of the top palio events in Italy that are have to be witnessed to be believed! Or read about other fantastic festivals in Italy that are also worth a visit on your next thrilling vacation here!
Photo credits
picture 3: Phyrexian / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 3: Phyrexian / CC BY-SA 3.0