This year, Tutto il Natale di Siena, an extensive offering of local seasonal events, includes InCONTRADA, tours through some of the most culturally significant spaces in Siena’s 17 contrade. These 17 small city wards were first delineated in the Middle Ages, primarily for military-based purposes; their borders were redefined in 1729 but have not changed since. Though the contrade no longer hold military or administrative power, they remain sources of local pride and still vie for victory in the famous Palio di Siena.
Each weekend from December 6 through January 25, InCONTRADA will offer tours within the contrade, allowing participants access to places rarely open to the public. The tours, in Italian, are on Saturdays (3–6pm) and Sundays (10am–1pm). With special arrangements, additional tours can be scheduled for English-speaking groups.
All tours begin in Palazzo Pubblico’s Podestà courtyard, weave through the historic Magazzini del Sale and end in the Costume Gallery, which has not previously been open to the public. However, after a stop in piazza del Mercato, each tour will focus on a different contrada. During all tours, however, visitors will learn about contemporary artworks inspired by the historic contrada flag and drape designs, along with various emblems of contrada pride throughout Siena’s streets and buildings.
The full schedule of tours is available at theflr.net/tr1wlu. For inquiries, e-mail incontrada@operalaboratori.com.
