Contrade of Siena
Encyclopedia
A contrada
(plural: contrade) is a district, or a ward, within an Italian city. The most well-known contrade are probably the 17 contrade of Siena that race in the Palio di Siena
. Each is named after an animal or symbol and each with its own long history and complicated set of heraldic and semi-mythological associations.
These districts were set up in the Middle Ages
in order to supply troops to the many military companies that were hired to defend Siena
as it fought to defend its independence from Florence
and other nearby city states. As time has gone by, however, the contrade have lost their administrative and military functions and have instead become simply areas of localised patriotism, held together by the emotions and sense of civic pride of the residents. Their roles have broadened so that every important event – baptisms, deaths, marriages, church holidays, victories at the Palio, even wine or food festivals – is celebrated only within one's own contrada.
Every contrada has its own museum, fountain and baptismal font, motto, allied contrada (only Oca has no allies) and adversary contrada, typically a neighbor (only four, Bruco, Drago, Giraffa and Selva, have no declared adversaries). Often the adversary contrade share borders.
These districts were: Gallo (Rooster), Leone (Lion), Orso (Bear), Quercia (Oak), Spadaforte (Strong Sword) e Vipera (Viper).
The abolition of six quarters has always been surrounded by uncertainty. The deletion is traditionally traced to disorders related to the Palio of 1675: according to some because Contrada Spadaforte (with support of five other Contrade), despite the victory of Lupa, claimed the victory for itself; according to others Spadaforte was forbidden to play for the Palio, it can not rely on its actual influence area. The six "rebel" districts were therefore deleted.
This tradition is not supported by contemporary records. The abolition was motivated mainly by poor organization and lack of participation in public life of cities, evidenced in the book of Balia.
The six quarters were officially abolished the edict issued by Violante Beatrice of Bavaria (known as Notice of Violante of Bavaria) in 1729, which marked the boundaries of New Division Contrade still valid.
These six were then incorporated into other contrade as follows;
Today the six abolished contrade are remembered in the historical procession preceding the Palio di Siena: six riders with their helmets lowered, accompanied by a groom, parade in the ninth group of the Corteo Storico
Historical Parade.
in the centre of the city, and is home to the duomo (cathedral). Traditionally, its residents were notaries
.
Their last victory was on July 3, 1992 (Andrea de Gortes on Vinegar on Floater) and they have had 24 official victories.
Aquilas symbol is a double-headed black eagle holding an orb, a sword and a sceptre. Its colours are yellow, trimmed with blue and black.
Aquila is one of only four nobile (noble) contrade; its title was bestowed by the Habsburg
emperor Charles V
, out of gratitude for the warm reception he received there in 1536.
The contradas museum is home to the oldest surviving Palio di Siena
banner
(also called a palio), which dates from 1719.
Aquilas patron saint is La Vergine (the name of the Most Holy Maria), her titulary festival being celebrated on 8 September.
They are allied to the Civetta (Owl) and Drago (Dragon) contrade. They are opposed to the Pantera (Panther) contrada.
. Traditionally, its residents worked in the silk
trade.
Brucos symbol is a crowned caterpillar
crawling on a rose. Its colours are green and yellow, trimmed with blue.
Bruco is one of only four nobile (noble) contrade; its title was earned in 1369 by its people's bravery in helping to defeat Charles IV
, and consolidated in 1371 when they led the revolt to replace the Sienese council with a people's government.
Its Sede is at Via del Comune, 44.
Its patron Saint is Madonna (Visitation of the Saintest Mary) and the Titulary feast is on 2 July.
Its motto is "Come rivoluzion suona il mio nome" (How revolution sounds my name).
It is allied to the Istrice, Nicchio and Torre contrade and not officially opposed to any other contrade since its animosity with neighbouring Giraffa (giraffe) ended.
Last victory- 16 August 2008. It has 37 official Victories.
http://totallycoolpix.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08072011_siena_palio/palio_029.jpg
in the centre of the city. Traditionally, its residents were shoemakers.
Civettas symbol is a crowned owl sitting on a branch. Its colours are red and black striped with white. Its motto is: "Vedo nella Notte" (I see in the night).
For years Civetta was considered the nonna (grandmother) because it had not won a palio for over 30 years. Civetta won the Palio in August 2009, thereby losing the name "nonna".
. Traditionally, its residents were bankers.
Dragos symbol is a flying golden dragon carrying a banner with the letter "u". Its colours are red and green, trimmed with yellow.
. Traditionally, its residents were painters.
Giraffas symbol is a giraffe led by a Moor
, and a ribbon bearing the motto "Humbertus I dedit" (Umberto I
gave it
"). Its colours are white and red.
Giraffa has the title of contrada imperiale (imperial contrada). It was bestowed this title by King Vittorio Emanuele III
when it won the palio in 1936, the year the race was dedicated to Italy's empire in East Africa
.
Giraffa won the Palio on 16th August, 2011.
.
Istrices symbol is a porcupine. Its colours are red, white, blue and black.
Istrice adversary Contrada is the "Lupa" (She-wolf).
Its motto is: "Sol per difesa io pungo" (I prick only for self-defense).
Istrice has the title of contrada sovrana (sovereign contrada). It was bestowed this title as a result of it headquartering the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
during the 14th century.
Istrice won the Palio in July 2008.
. Traditionally, its residents were goldsmiths.
Leocornos symbol is a unicorn, rampant
, with the motto "Humberti regio gratia" ("A kingdom by the grace of Umberto
"). Its colours are orange and white, bordered with blue.
Leocorno won the Palio of August 16, 2007
. Traditionally, the residents of Lupa were bakers
.
Lupas symbol is a female wolf nursing twins. Its colors are black and white, trimmed with orange. The she-wolf of this contrada refers to the legend that Siena was founded by Senius
, the son of Remus
who, along with his twin Romulus
, was raised by a wolf. Because of this, Lupas sister city is Rome
.
The Lupa museum's prize exhibit is a photograph of Giuseppe Garibaldi
, which he donated to the contrada on its victory in the Palio di Siena
of 1867.
.
Nicchios symbol is a crowned scallop shell flanked by two branches of coral. Its colours are blue, with yellow and red trim.
Nicchio is one of only four nobile (noble) contrade; it earned its title for bravery shown during the Battle of Montaperti
against Florence
in 1260, when its soldiers led the attack.
. Traditionally, its residents made dye
s.
Ocas symbol is a crowned goose wearing around its neck a blue ribbon marked with the cross of Savoy
. Its colours are green and white, with red trim.
Oca is one of only four nobile (noble) contrade; it earned its title for its people's bravery during many battles fought by the former Sienese Republic.
The most recent palio win for Oca was in the July 2, 2007 race on Fedora Saura.
in the centre of the city. Traditionally, its residents were carpenters.
Ondas symbol is a dolphin. Its colours are white and sky blue and the condrada describes itself as "The colour of Heaven, the force of the sea"
Onda has the title of contrada capitana (captain contrada) because in the past its soldiers mounted guard at the Palazzo Pubblico
.
One of the famous members of Onda was the sculptor Giovanni Duprè
, after whom the main street in Onda is named. Onda's adversary is Torre.
Panteras symbol is a rampant
panther. Its colours are red, blue and white.
in the centre of the city. Traditionally, its residents were weavers, but when the contrade were mainly military they had a reputation for being excellent archers
.
Selvas symbol is a rhinoceros at the base of an oak tree hung with hunting tools. Its colours are green and orange, bordered with white.
Winner of the Palio, on August 16, 2006, with Salasso on Caro Amico. Won the Palio last on July 2, 2010, to much upset from Nicchio (favored to win).
Tartucas symbol is a turtle with alternating Savoy knots and daisies. Its colours are yellow and deep blue.
Winner of the Palio, on July 2, 2009, with Giuseppe Zedde on Già del Menhir.
Tartuca last won the Palio on 16 August 2010
It is opposed to Chiocciola (snail)
in the centre of the city, and encompasses Siena's Jewish quarter and synagogue. Traditionally, its residents worked as woolcombers.
Torres symbol is an elephant (the contradas original name was Liofante or Lionfante) with a tower on its back. Its colours are crimson, striped with white and blue.
Torre is the enemy of both Onda (wave) and of Oca (goose). It is the only contrada to have two enemies, making it the most contentious contrada in Siena.
Valdimontones symbol is a crowned rampant
ram, with a blue shield emblazoned with the letter "u" for Umberto. Its colours are red and yellow, with white trim.
It is allied with Onda (Wave) and opposed to Nicchio (Shell), its neighbour.
Contrada
Contrada is a generic name given to various types of Italian city subdivisions, now unofficial. Depending on the case, a contrada will be a località, a rione, a quartiere , a borgo, or even a suburb.The best-known contrade are the 17 Contrade of Siena, since they form the teams in the Palio...
(plural: contrade) is a district, or a ward, within an Italian city. The most well-known contrade are probably the 17 contrade of Siena that race in the Palio di Siena
Palio di Siena
The Palio di Siena is a horse race that is held twice each year, on July 2 and August 16, in Siena, Italy...
. Each is named after an animal or symbol and each with its own long history and complicated set of heraldic and semi-mythological associations.
History
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...
in order to supply troops to the many military companies that were hired to defend Siena
Siena
Siena is a city in Tuscany, Italy. It is the capital of the province of Siena.The historic centre of Siena has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. It is one of the nation's most visited tourist attractions, with over 163,000 international arrivals in 2008...
as it fought to defend its independence from Florence
Florence
Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with approximately 370,000 inhabitants, expanding to over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area....
and other nearby city states. As time has gone by, however, the contrade have lost their administrative and military functions and have instead become simply areas of localised patriotism, held together by the emotions and sense of civic pride of the residents. Their roles have broadened so that every important event – baptisms, deaths, marriages, church holidays, victories at the Palio, even wine or food festivals – is celebrated only within one's own contrada.
Every contrada has its own museum, fountain and baptismal font, motto, allied contrada (only Oca has no allies) and adversary contrada, typically a neighbor (only four, Bruco, Drago, Giraffa and Selva, have no declared adversaries). Often the adversary contrade share borders.
Abolished Contrade
There were originally 59 contrade, but consolidation over the centuries has seen the number reduced to today's 17. During the seventeenth century some contrade were slowly dying out until their abolition, which took place officially in 1729.These districts were: Gallo (Rooster), Leone (Lion), Orso (Bear), Quercia (Oak), Spadaforte (Strong Sword) e Vipera (Viper).
The abolition of six quarters has always been surrounded by uncertainty. The deletion is traditionally traced to disorders related to the Palio of 1675: according to some because Contrada Spadaforte (with support of five other Contrade), despite the victory of Lupa, claimed the victory for itself; according to others Spadaforte was forbidden to play for the Palio, it can not rely on its actual influence area. The six "rebel" districts were therefore deleted.
This tradition is not supported by contemporary records. The abolition was motivated mainly by poor organization and lack of participation in public life of cities, evidenced in the book of Balia.
The six quarters were officially abolished the edict issued by Violante Beatrice of Bavaria (known as Notice of Violante of Bavaria) in 1729, which marked the boundaries of New Division Contrade still valid.
These six were then incorporated into other contrade as follows;
- Gallo was incorporated into Civetta, Oca, and Selva.
- Leone was incorporated into Istrice.
- Orso was incorporated into Civetta.
- Quercia was incorporated into Chiocciola.
- Spadaforte was incorporated into Leocorno and Torre.
- Vipera was incorporated into Torre.
Today the six abolished contrade are remembered in the historical procession preceding the Palio di Siena: six riders with their helmets lowered, accompanied by a groom, parade in the ninth group of the Corteo Storico
Corteo Storico
The Corteo Storico or historical parade is referred to as "passeggiata storica" in Siena, Tuscany, Italy. It is a costume parade which takes place before the famous horse race known as the Palio on the 2nd of July and on August 16, each year.- Description :...
Historical Parade.
Aquila (Eagle)
Aquila is situated immediately to the south-west of the Piazza del CampoPiazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historic center of Siena, Tuscany, Italy and is one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. The Palazzo Pubblico and its Torre del Mangia, as well as various palazzi signorili...
in the centre of the city, and is home to the duomo (cathedral). Traditionally, its residents were notaries
Civil law notary
Civil-law notaries, or Latin notaries, are lawyers of noncontentious private civil law who draft, take, and record legal instruments for private parties, provide legal advice and give attendance in person, and are vested as public officers with the authentication power of the State...
.
Their last victory was on July 3, 1992 (Andrea de Gortes on Vinegar on Floater) and they have had 24 official victories.
Aquilas symbol is a double-headed black eagle holding an orb, a sword and a sceptre. Its colours are yellow, trimmed with blue and black.
Aquila is one of only four nobile (noble) contrade; its title was bestowed by the Habsburg
Habsburg
The House of Habsburg , also found as Hapsburg, and also known as House of Austria is one of the most important royal houses of Europe and is best known for being an origin of all of the formally elected Holy Roman Emperors between 1438 and 1740, as well as rulers of the Austrian Empire and...
emperor Charles V
Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor
Charles V was ruler of the Holy Roman Empire from 1519 and, as Charles I, of the Spanish Empire from 1516 until his voluntary retirement and abdication in favor of his younger brother Ferdinand I and his son Philip II in 1556.As...
, out of gratitude for the warm reception he received there in 1536.
The contradas museum is home to the oldest surviving Palio di Siena
Palio di Siena
The Palio di Siena is a horse race that is held twice each year, on July 2 and August 16, in Siena, Italy...
banner
Banner
A banner is a flag or other piece of cloth bearing a symbol, logo, slogan or other message. Banner-making is an ancient craft.The word derives from late Latin bandum, a cloth out of which a flag is made...
(also called a palio), which dates from 1719.
Aquilas patron saint is La Vergine (the name of the Most Holy Maria), her titulary festival being celebrated on 8 September.
They are allied to the Civetta (Owl) and Drago (Dragon) contrade. They are opposed to the Pantera (Panther) contrada.
Bruco (Caterpillar)
Bruco is situated to the north of the Piazza del CampoPiazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historic center of Siena, Tuscany, Italy and is one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. The Palazzo Pubblico and its Torre del Mangia, as well as various palazzi signorili...
. Traditionally, its residents worked in the silk
Silk
Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The best-known type of silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori reared in captivity...
trade.
Brucos symbol is a crowned caterpillar
Caterpillar
Caterpillars are the larval form of members of the order Lepidoptera . They are mostly herbivorous in food habit, although some species are insectivorous. Caterpillars are voracious feeders and many of them are considered to be pests in agriculture...
crawling on a rose. Its colours are green and yellow, trimmed with blue.
Bruco is one of only four nobile (noble) contrade; its title was earned in 1369 by its people's bravery in helping to defeat Charles IV
Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor
Charles IV , born Wenceslaus , was the second king of Bohemia from the House of Luxembourg, and the first king of Bohemia to also become Holy Roman Emperor....
, and consolidated in 1371 when they led the revolt to replace the Sienese council with a people's government.
Its Sede is at Via del Comune, 44.
Its patron Saint is Madonna (Visitation of the Saintest Mary) and the Titulary feast is on 2 July.
Its motto is "Come rivoluzion suona il mio nome" (How revolution sounds my name).
It is allied to the Istrice, Nicchio and Torre contrade and not officially opposed to any other contrade since its animosity with neighbouring Giraffa (giraffe) ended.
Last victory- 16 August 2008. It has 37 official Victories.
Chiocciola (Snail)
Chiocciola is situated in the south-western corner of the city. Traditionally, its residents worked as terracotta makers.Its motto, not surprisingly, is “With slow and deliberate steps, snail leaves the battlefield triumphant.” The district’s patron saints are the apostles Peter and Paul with a feast day of June 29. Chiocciola's official enemy is the Tortoise. Their last Palio victory was on August 16, 1999. There is an expression in Siena, “The people of the Snail, drowners of saints.” In 1888, after losing a Palio the district was so angry that they put a statue of Saint Anthony (patron saint of horses) down into a well. The statue wasn’t removed until 1910 and the district won in 1911.Chiocciolas symbol is a snail. Its colours are red and yellow, trimmed with blue.Chiocciolas enemy is the Tortoise. Their last victory was on August 16, 1999.http://totallycoolpix.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08072011_siena_palio/palio_029.jpg
Civetta (Little Owl)
Civetta is situated immediately to the north of the Piazza del CampoPiazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historic center of Siena, Tuscany, Italy and is one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. The Palazzo Pubblico and its Torre del Mangia, as well as various palazzi signorili...
in the centre of the city. Traditionally, its residents were shoemakers.
Civettas symbol is a crowned owl sitting on a branch. Its colours are red and black striped with white. Its motto is: "Vedo nella Notte" (I see in the night).
For years Civetta was considered the nonna (grandmother) because it had not won a palio for over 30 years. Civetta won the Palio in August 2009, thereby losing the name "nonna".
Drago (Dragon)
Drago is situated to the north-west of the Piazza del CampoPiazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historic center of Siena, Tuscany, Italy and is one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. The Palazzo Pubblico and its Torre del Mangia, as well as various palazzi signorili...
. Traditionally, its residents were bankers.
Dragos symbol is a flying golden dragon carrying a banner with the letter "u". Its colours are red and green, trimmed with yellow.
Giraffa (Giraffe)
Giraffa is an affluent area of the city situated to the north-east of the Piazza del CampoPiazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historic center of Siena, Tuscany, Italy and is one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. The Palazzo Pubblico and its Torre del Mangia, as well as various palazzi signorili...
. Traditionally, its residents were painters.
Giraffas symbol is a giraffe led by a Moor
Moors
The description Moors has referred to several historic and modern populations of the Maghreb region who are predominately of Berber and Arab descent. They came to conquer and rule the Iberian Peninsula for nearly 800 years. At that time they were Muslim, although earlier the people had followed...
, and a ribbon bearing the motto "Humbertus I dedit" (Umberto I
Umberto I of Italy
Umberto I or Humbert I , nicknamed the Good , was the King of Italy from 9 January 1878 until his death. He was deeply loathed in far-left circles, especially among anarchists, because of his conservatism and support of the Bava-Beccaris massacre in Milan...
gave it
Eritrea
Eritrea , officially the State of Eritrea, is a country in the Horn of Africa. Eritrea derives it's name from the Greek word Erethria, meaning 'red land'. The capital is Asmara. It is bordered by Sudan in the west, Ethiopia in the south, and Djibouti in the southeast...
"). Its colours are white and red.
Giraffa has the title of contrada imperiale (imperial contrada). It was bestowed this title by King Vittorio Emanuele III
Victor Emmanuel III of Italy
Victor Emmanuel III was a member of the House of Savoy and King of Italy . In addition, he claimed the crowns of Ethiopia and Albania and claimed the titles Emperor of Ethiopia and King of Albania , which were unrecognised by the Great Powers...
when it won the palio in 1936, the year the race was dedicated to Italy's empire in East Africa
Italian East Africa
Italian East Africa was an Italian colonial administrative subdivision established in 1936, resulting from the merger of the Ethiopian Empire with the old colonies of Italian Somaliland and Italian Eritrea. In August 1940, British Somaliland was conquered and annexed to Italian East Africa...
.
Giraffa won the Palio on 16th August, 2011.
Istrice (Crested Porcupine)
Istrice occupies the north-westernmost edge of Siena and contains the San Vincenzo e Anastasio church, home of the city's oldest surviving fresco and burial place of PinturicchioPinturicchio
Bernardino di Betto, called Pintoricchio or Pinturicchio was an Italian painter of the Renaissance. He acquired his nickname, Pintoricchio , because of his small stature, and he used it to sign some of his works....
.
Istrices symbol is a porcupine. Its colours are red, white, blue and black.
Istrice adversary Contrada is the "Lupa" (She-wolf).
Its motto is: "Sol per difesa io pungo" (I prick only for self-defense).
Istrice has the title of contrada sovrana (sovereign contrada). It was bestowed this title as a result of it headquartering the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
Knights Hospitaller
The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta , also known as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta , Order of Malta or Knights of Malta, is a Roman Catholic lay religious order, traditionally of military, chivalrous, noble nature. It is the world's...
during the 14th century.
Istrice won the Palio in July 2008.
Leocorno (Unicorn)
Leocorno is situated to the east of the Piazza del CampoPiazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historic center of Siena, Tuscany, Italy and is one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. The Palazzo Pubblico and its Torre del Mangia, as well as various palazzi signorili...
. Traditionally, its residents were goldsmiths.
Leocornos symbol is a unicorn, rampant
Heraldry
Heraldry is the profession, study, or art of creating, granting, and blazoning arms and ruling on questions of rank or protocol, as exercised by an officer of arms. Heraldry comes from Anglo-Norman herald, from the Germanic compound harja-waldaz, "army commander"...
, with the motto "Humberti regio gratia" ("A kingdom by the grace of Umberto
Umberto I of Italy
Umberto I or Humbert I , nicknamed the Good , was the King of Italy from 9 January 1878 until his death. He was deeply loathed in far-left circles, especially among anarchists, because of his conservatism and support of the Bava-Beccaris massacre in Milan...
"). Its colours are orange and white, bordered with blue.
Leocorno won the Palio of August 16, 2007
Lupa (She-Wolf)
Lupa is situated to the north of the Piazza del CampoPiazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historic center of Siena, Tuscany, Italy and is one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. The Palazzo Pubblico and its Torre del Mangia, as well as various palazzi signorili...
. Traditionally, the residents of Lupa were bakers
Bakers
Baker's is a supermarket chain operating primarily in the metro area of Omaha, Nebraska. It is owned by Kroger.-History:Abraham Baker opened his first grocery store in Walnut, Iowa in 1927. His first Omaha-area store opened in Bellevue, Nebraska in 1947, and his first in Omaha itself opened in 1957...
.
Lupas symbol is a female wolf nursing twins. Its colors are black and white, trimmed with orange. The she-wolf of this contrada refers to the legend that Siena was founded by Senius
Senius
Senius was the son of Remus, brother of Aschius and legendary founder of Siena, Italy. All over Siena you can find the she-wolf remembered in various places....
, the son of Remus
Remus
Remus is the twin brother of the mythical founder of Rome.Remus may also refer to:* Remus , a fictional planet in Star Trek* Remus , a moon of the asteroid 87 Sylvia...
who, along with his twin Romulus
Romulus
- People:* Romulus and Remus, the mythical founders of Rome* Romulus Augustulus, the last Western Roman Emperor* Valerius Romulus , deified son of the Roman emperor Maxentius* Romulus , son of the Western Roman emperor Anthemius...
, was raised by a wolf. Because of this, Lupas sister city is Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
.
The Lupa museum's prize exhibit is a photograph of Giuseppe Garibaldi
Giuseppe Garibaldi
Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian military and political figure. In his twenties, he joined the Carbonari Italian patriot revolutionaries, and fled Italy after a failed insurrection. Garibaldi took part in the War of the Farrapos and the Uruguayan Civil War leading the Italian Legion, and...
, which he donated to the contrada on its victory in the Palio di Siena
Palio di Siena
The Palio di Siena is a horse race that is held twice each year, on July 2 and August 16, in Siena, Italy...
of 1867.
Nicchio (Seashell)
Nicchio is situated in the far eastern corner of the city. Traditionally, its residents worked as pottersPottery
Pottery is the material from which the potteryware is made, of which major types include earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. The place where such wares are made is also called a pottery . Pottery also refers to the art or craft of the potter or the manufacture of pottery...
.
Nicchios symbol is a crowned scallop shell flanked by two branches of coral. Its colours are blue, with yellow and red trim.
Nicchio is one of only four nobile (noble) contrade; it earned its title for bravery shown during the Battle of Montaperti
Battle of Montaperti
The Battle of Montaperti was fought on September 4, 1260, between Florence and Siena in Tuscany as part of the conflict between the Guelphs and Ghibellines...
against Florence
Florence
Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with approximately 370,000 inhabitants, expanding to over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area....
in 1260, when its soldiers led the attack.
Oca (Goose)
Oca is situated just to the west of the Piazza del CampoPiazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historic center of Siena, Tuscany, Italy and is one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. The Palazzo Pubblico and its Torre del Mangia, as well as various palazzi signorili...
. Traditionally, its residents made dye
Dye
A dye is a colored substance that has an affinity to the substrate to which it is being applied. The dye is generally applied in an aqueous solution, and requires a mordant to improve the fastness of the dye on the fiber....
s.
Ocas symbol is a crowned goose wearing around its neck a blue ribbon marked with the cross of Savoy
Savoy
Savoy is a region of France. It comprises roughly the territory of the Western Alps situated between Lake Geneva in the north and Monaco and the Mediterranean coast in the south....
. Its colours are green and white, with red trim.
Oca is one of only four nobile (noble) contrade; it earned its title for its people's bravery during many battles fought by the former Sienese Republic.
The most recent palio win for Oca was in the July 2, 2007 race on Fedora Saura.
Onda (Wave)
Onda runs south from the Piazza del CampoPiazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historic center of Siena, Tuscany, Italy and is one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. The Palazzo Pubblico and its Torre del Mangia, as well as various palazzi signorili...
in the centre of the city. Traditionally, its residents were carpenters.
Ondas symbol is a dolphin. Its colours are white and sky blue and the condrada describes itself as "The colour of Heaven, the force of the sea"
Onda has the title of contrada capitana (captain contrada) because in the past its soldiers mounted guard at the Palazzo Pubblico
Palazzo Pubblico
The Palazzo Pubblico is a palace in Siena, Tuscany, central Italy. Construction began in 1297 and its original purpose was to house the republican government, consisting of the Podestà and Council of Nine....
.
One of the famous members of Onda was the sculptor Giovanni Duprè
Giovanni Duprè
Giovanni Duprè was an Italian sculptor, of distant French stock long settled in Tuscany, who developed a reputation second only to his contemporary Lorenzo Bartolini.-Biography:...
, after whom the main street in Onda is named. Onda's adversary is Torre.
Pantera (Panther)
Pantera is situated at the western edge of the city. Traditionally, its residents were grocers, chemists and Steamers.Panteras symbol is a rampant
Heraldry
Heraldry is the profession, study, or art of creating, granting, and blazoning arms and ruling on questions of rank or protocol, as exercised by an officer of arms. Heraldry comes from Anglo-Norman herald, from the Germanic compound harja-waldaz, "army commander"...
panther. Its colours are red, blue and white.
Selva (Forest)
Selva runs west from the Piazza del CampoPiazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historic center of Siena, Tuscany, Italy and is one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. The Palazzo Pubblico and its Torre del Mangia, as well as various palazzi signorili...
in the centre of the city. Traditionally, its residents were weavers, but when the contrade were mainly military they had a reputation for being excellent archers
Archers
Archers may refer to:*People who practice archery*The Royal Company of Archers, a Scottish ceremonial unit*The Archers, long running BBC Radio 4 soap opera*"The Archers", nickname for British film-making partnership of Powell and Pressburger...
.
Selvas symbol is a rhinoceros at the base of an oak tree hung with hunting tools. Its colours are green and orange, bordered with white.
Winner of the Palio, on August 16, 2006, with Salasso on Caro Amico. Won the Palio last on July 2, 2010, to much upset from Nicchio (favored to win).
Tartuca (Tortoise)
Tartuca is situated at the southern end of the city. Traditionally, its residents were sculptors.Tartucas symbol is a turtle with alternating Savoy knots and daisies. Its colours are yellow and deep blue.
Winner of the Palio, on July 2, 2009, with Giuseppe Zedde on Già del Menhir.
Tartuca last won the Palio on 16 August 2010
It is opposed to Chiocciola (snail)
Torre (Tower)
Torre is situated just to the south-east of the Piazza del CampoPiazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historic center of Siena, Tuscany, Italy and is one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. The Palazzo Pubblico and its Torre del Mangia, as well as various palazzi signorili...
in the centre of the city, and encompasses Siena's Jewish quarter and synagogue. Traditionally, its residents worked as woolcombers.
Torres symbol is an elephant (the contradas original name was Liofante or Lionfante) with a tower on its back. Its colours are crimson, striped with white and blue.
Torre is the enemy of both Onda (wave) and of Oca (goose). It is the only contrada to have two enemies, making it the most contentious contrada in Siena.
Valdimontone (Valley of the Ram)
Valdimontone is situated in the south-east of the city near Porta Romana. Traditionally, its residents were tailors.Valdimontones symbol is a crowned rampant
Heraldry
Heraldry is the profession, study, or art of creating, granting, and blazoning arms and ruling on questions of rank or protocol, as exercised by an officer of arms. Heraldry comes from Anglo-Norman herald, from the Germanic compound harja-waldaz, "army commander"...
ram, with a blue shield emblazoned with the letter "u" for Umberto. Its colours are red and yellow, with white trim.
It is allied with Onda (Wave) and opposed to Nicchio (Shell), its neighbour.
External links
- www.ilpaliodisiena.com(Italian)