The Contrade

Medieval pageantry precedes the famous Palio horse race competition in the Campo

Siena is split into 17 contrade, legally chartered districts which function almost as villages within the city and date back at least as far as the 13th century. There were originally many more of them but by the 17th century some had merged. They originated when Siena was a free state, and the contrade had duties such as collecting taxes and maintaining fountains. Each contrade was also responsible for sending a force to defend Siena if under attack.

Every year, 10 out of the 17 contrade take part in the Palio. For historical reasons, most of which are long forgotten, most contrade have an enemy. Each contrade also has its own color and symbol.

Civetta (Owl): enemy is the Leocorno; colors are maroon, black, and a dash of white
Leocorno (Unicorn): enemy Civetta; colors are orange, white, and blue
Nicchio (Shell): enemy is the Valdimontone; colors are bright blue with a little yellow and red
Valdimontone (Ram): enemy is Nicchio; colors are scarlet, yellow, and white
Torre (Tower; often an elephant with a tower on its back): enemy is the Oca and Onda; colors are dark red with a little white and pale blue; this contrade is considered unlucky because it has hardly won any Palios
Aquila (Eagle): enemy is the Pantera; colors are yellow and black
Chiocciola (Snail): enemy is the Tartuca; colors are red, yellow, and blue
Onda (Wave symbolized by a dolphin): enemy is the Torre; blue and white
Pantera (Panther): enemy is Aquila; colors are red, blue, and white
Selva (Woodland symbolized by a rhino under a tree): no enemy; colors are orange, white, and green
Tartuca (Turtle): enemy is the Chiocciola; colors are blue and yellow
Bruco (Caterpillar): no enemy; colors are yellow and green
Drago (Dragon): no enemy; colors are green, deep pink, and yellow
Giraffa (Giraffe): no enemy; colors are red and white
Istrice (Porcupine): enemy is Lupa; colors are light red, black, blue, and white
Lupa (She wolf): enemy is the Istrice; colors are white, black, and a little orange
Oca (Goose): enemy Torre; colors are green, and white with a little orange; this contrade has won a number of Palios