The 17 Contrade of Siena: A Visitor's Guide

Visit Siena Guide editorial·May 19, 2026·6 min read

Every Sienese is born into a contrada — a neighborhood association that runs their social life.

# The 17 Contrade of Siena: A Visitor's Guide

Every Sienese is born into a contrada — a neighborhood association that runs their social life. Understanding the contrade is the key to understanding the city.

Key facts

17 contrade total, each with a name, animal symbol, colors, church, fountain, and museum.
Examples: Aquila (eagle), Bruco (caterpillar), Chiocciola (snail), Drago (dragon), Lupa (she-wolf).
Each runs in the Palio horse race twice a year (10 contrade per race, by lottery).
Most have a small museum open by appointment — ask at the contrada society.
Look up: tile plaques on building corners mark contrada boundaries throughout the city.

What I tell visitors

Pick a contrada to 'support' before your visit and look for its flags and symbols as you walk. It transforms your perception of every street.

Related guides

Final word

Whatever brings you to Siena — food, the Palio, the Tuscan countryside — slow down. The city repays attention. If you have a tip to add or a correction, write us at redazione@visitsienaguide.it.